Health authorities in Gujarat are on alert after a suspected case of the potentially deadly Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), commonly known as Congo fever, was identified in Amreli district. The patient is an 18-year-old man from a village in the Savarkundla taluka.
Patient Details and Medical Journey
The young man initially developed symptoms including fever and vomiting, leading to his admission at a private hospital in the town. He first tested positive for dengue and received treatment accordingly. However, as his condition required further care, he was referred to a medical facility in Ahmedabad.
It was there that doctors, based on his clinical presentation, suspected Congo fever. On Wednesday, his samples were sent for confirmatory testing to a specialized laboratory in Pune. R M Joshi, the additional district health officer of Amreli, confirmed the development, stating the patient is suspected of having the disease and that his sample has been dispatched for analysis.
Preventive Measures and Contact Tracing
Acting swiftly to prevent any potential spread, a health team conducted screenings of 14 individuals who were in close contact with the youth. Reassuringly, none of these contacts have shown any symptoms of the illness so far.
Given that CCHF is a tick-borne disease and can also spread through contact with infected livestock or their blood/tissue, the health department has taken a multi-pronged approach. They have officially alerted the animal husbandry department as a crucial precautionary measure to monitor livestock in the area.
Understanding Congo Fever (CCHF)
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease with a high fatality rate. Its symptoms often include:
- High-grade fever
- Severe muscular pain
- Dizziness and headache
- Pain behind the eyes and sensitivity to light
- Upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhoea
In India, the first recorded case of CCHF was detected in Gujarat back in 2011, making the state particularly vigilant about the disease. The current suspected case underscores the need for continued surveillance and public awareness about the symptoms and transmission risks of this zoonotic illness.
