Source: IE
Context: Climate change is aiding the spread of the deadly Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus in Europe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
What is CCHF?
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral disease transmitted by ticks (Hyalomma ticks). It can also be contracted through contact with infected animal tissues.
- Background: Congo fever was first discovered in Crimea in 1944and was later named as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.
- Threat: CCHF outbreaks pose a public health threat, as the virus can lead to epidemics and has a high fatality rate.
- Symptoms: It includes fever, muscle ache, headache, and bleeding.
- Vaccine: There is currently no vaccine for CCHF, and treatment involves managing symptoms and using antiviral drugs in some cases.
- Region: It is endemic to Africa, the Balkan countries, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
How Climate change is contributing to its spread?
Rising temperatures and disrupted climate patterns have created favourable conditions for viruses not typically found in colder climates. Climate change contributes to the spread of diseases by expanding the habitat of disease-carrying insects, altering water habitats, and causing changes in animal migration patterns, increasing human contact with infected animals.
