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Human cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) were first detected in Spain in 2016. National human and animal health authorities organized a large, multidisciplinary study focusing on ticks as sentinels to determine the nationwide distribution of ticks with CCHF virus. Ticks were collected from animals and vegetation, samples pooled (12,584 ticks; 4,556 pools), and molecular methods used to look for the virus. We detected the virus in 135 pools from most of the regions studied, indicating that it is widespread in Spain. We found sequences of CCHF virus genotypes I, III, and IV in the tick species collected, most commonly in Hyalomma lusitanicum, suggesting this tick has a prominent role in the virus's natural cycle. The red deer (Cervus elaphus) was the host that most frequently yielded positive ticks. Our study highlights the need for larger studies in Spain to ascertain the complete risk to public health.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is endemic in Asia, infecting many animal hosts, but CCHFV has not been reported in Myanmar. We conducted a seroepidemiologic survey of logging communities in Myanmar and found CCHFV exposure was common (9.8%) and exposure to wild animal blood and body fluids was associated with seropositivity.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is endemic in Asia, infecting many animal hosts, but CCHFV has not been reported in Myanmar. We conducted a seroepidemiologic survey of logging communities in Myanmar and found CCHFV exposure was common (9.8%) and exposure to wild animal blood and body fluids was associated with seropositivity.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease, endemic in Africa, with a high case fatality rate. There is no efficient treatment or licensed vaccine. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CCHFV in cattle in extensive grazing systems (both pastoralism and ranching) within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Nanyuki, and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. We conducted a seroepidemiological study of the sera of 148 cattle from 18 households from the three ecosystems in 2014, 2016, and 2019. Sera from 23 sheep and 17 goats were also obtained from the same households during the same period. Sera were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to CCHFV using the commercially available double-antigen ELISA kit. Overall, 31.5% CCHFV seropositivity was observed. The prevalence of CCHF was analyzed using a multiple logistic mixed model with main predictors. Risk factors associated with exposure to CCHFV were age (p = 0.000) and season (p = 0.007). Our findings suggest exposure to CCHFV and point to cattle as likely reservoirs of CCHFV in Kenya. The findings might play a role in providing better insights into disease risk and dynamics where analysis of tick populations in these regions should be further investigated.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease, endemic in Africa, with a high case fatality rate. There is no efficient treatment or licensed vaccine. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CCHFV in cattle in extensive grazing systems (both pastoralism and ranching) within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Nanyuki, and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. We conducted a seroepidemiological study of the sera of 148 cattle from 18 households from the three ecosystems in 2014, 2016, and 2019. Sera from 23 sheep and 17 goats were also obtained from the same households during the same period. Sera were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to CCHFV using the commercially available double-antigen ELISA kit. Overall, 31.5% CCHFV seropositivity was observed. The prevalence of CCHF was analyzed using a multiple logistic mixed model with main predictors. Risk factors associated with exposure to CCHFV were age (p = 0.000) and season (p = 0.007). Our findings suggest exposure to CCHFV and point to cattle as likely reservoirs of CCHFV in Kenya. The findings might play a role in providing better insights into disease risk and dynamics where analysis of tick populations in these regions should be further investigated.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease, endemic in Africa, with a high case fatality rate. There is no efficient treatment or licensed vaccine. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CCHFV in cattle in extensive grazing systems (both pastoralism and ranching) within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Nanyuki, and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. We conducted a seroepidemiological study of the sera of 148 cattle from 18 households from the three ecosystems in 2014, 2016, and 2019. Sera from 23 sheep and 17 goats were also obtained from the same households during the same period. Sera were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to CCHFV using the commercially available double-antigen ELISA kit. Overall, 31.5% CCHFV seropositivity was observed. The prevalence of CCHF was analyzed using a multiple logistic mixed model with main predictors. Risk factors associated with exposure to CCHFV were age (p = 0.000) and season (p = 0.007). Our findings suggest exposure to CCHFV and point to cattle as likely reservoirs of CCHFV in Kenya. The findings might play a role in providing better insights into disease risk and dynamics where analysis of tick populations in these regions should be further investigated.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease, endemic in Africa, with a high case fatality rate. There is no efficient treatment or licensed vaccine. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CCHFV in cattle in extensive grazing systems (both pastoralism and ranching) within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Nanyuki, and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. We conducted a seroepidemiological study of the sera of 148 cattle from 18 households from the three ecosystems in 2014, 2016, and 2019. Sera from 23 sheep and 17 goats were also obtained from the same households during the same period. Sera were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to CCHFV using the commercially available double-antigen ELISA kit. Overall, 31.5% CCHFV seropositivity was observed. The prevalence of CCHF was analyzed using a multiple logistic mixed model with main predictors. Risk factors associated with exposure to CCHFV were age (p = 0.000) and season (p = 0.007). Our findings suggest exposure to CCHFV and point to cattle as likely reservoirs of CCHFV in Kenya. The findings might play a role in providing better insights into disease risk and dynamics where analysis of tick populations in these regions should be further investigated.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease, endemic in Africa, with a high case fatality rate. There is no efficient treatment or licensed vaccine. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CCHFV in cattle in extensive grazing systems (both pastoralism and ranching) within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Nanyuki, and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. We conducted a seroepidemiological study of the sera of 148 cattle from 18 households from the three ecosystems in 2014, 2016, and 2019. Sera from 23 sheep and 17 goats were also obtained from the same households during the same period. Sera were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to CCHFV using the commercially available double-antigen ELISA kit. Overall, 31.5% CCHFV seropositivity was observed. The prevalence of CCHF was analyzed using a multiple logistic mixed model with main predictors. Risk factors associated with exposure to CCHFV were age (p = 0.000) and season (p = 0.007). Our findings suggest exposure to CCHFV and point to cattle as likely reservoirs of CCHFV in Kenya. The findings might play a role in providing better insights into disease risk and dynamics where analysis of tick populations in these regions should be further investigated.

This study focuses on analysing and detailing the work done by the Department of Communication of the Health Department of the Community of Madrid during the management of cases ofCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) reported in Madrid in September 2016. One of the affected persons died and the second one, a nurse who attended the deceased patient, remained in an isolation unit. CCHF is a contagious disease without precedentsin Western Europe. Sanitary actions included both the recovery of the affected patient and the monitoring for 36 days of more than 400 people who could have been in contact with the virus.Immediately, the Press Office of the Department of Health launched a communication protocol to systematically report on epidemiological research. Daily and at the same time,a technical spokesperson was available to the media, using the e-mail as communication tool for spreading the information; the release as journalist format and the decision to offer the same contents to all the media. In the messages, the identity of patients and professionals was preserved. The alert was deactivated on October 6 without having occurred during the same social alarm. After analyzing the management, a communication model is proposed in crisis management, Este trabajo se centra en analizar y detallar la labor realizada por el Departamento de Comunicación de la Consejería de Sanidad de la Comunidad de Madrid durante la gestión informativa de los casos de fiebre hemorrágica de Crimea-Congo (FHCC) notificados en Madrid en septiembre de 2016. Una de las personas afectadas había fallecido y la segunda, una enfermera que atendió al primero, permanecía ingresada con carácter grave en una unidad de aislamiento. La enfermedad de FHCC es contagiosa y sin precedentes en Europa Occidental. Las actuaciones sanitarias incluyeron tanto la recuperación de la sanitaria afectada como el seguimiento durante 36 días a más de 400 personas que podrían haber estado en contacto con el virus. De manera inmediata, el Departamento de Comunicación de la Consejería de Sanidad de la Comunidad de Madrid puso en marcha un protocolo de comunicación para informar sobre la investigación epidemiológica de forma sistemática. Todos los días a la misma hora, con un portavoz técnico para los medios de comunicación, empleando el correo electrónico como canal de difusión de la información; bajo el formato periodístico de comunicado y la decisión de ofrecer a todos los medios de comunicación los mismos contenidos. En los mensajes se preserva la identidad de los pacientes y profesionales. La alerta se desactivó el 6 de octubre sin que se hubiese producido durante la misma alarma social. Tras el análisis de la gestión se propone un modelo de comunicación en la gestión de crisis

On August 31, 2016, two suspected cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) were reported to the Epidemiology Service of the Community of Madrid. One of the persons affected has died in the meantime. CCHF is a contagious disease and without precedents in Western Europe. The Press Office of the Community of Madrid's Health Department immediately activated a communication protocol to inform on the evolution of epidemiological research, preserving the identity of the patients and professionals and insisting on transferring a message of tranquillity to the population. A technical spokesperson was available to satisfy the demands of the media. Information aimed at the general publicwas included on the website of the Community of Madrid. All health information was made available on the corporate intranet so that health professionals were duly informed. The alert was activated during 36 days and only one negative information was produced regarding the evaluated impacts (676) in the 42 media analysed (radio, press, television, digital and specialized media).The alert was deactivated on October 6 without social alarm having occurred, El 31 de agosto de 2016 se notifican dos casos de sospecha de la fiebre hemorrágica de Crimea-Congo al Servicio de Epidemiologia de la Comunidad de Madrid. Una de las personas afectadas ha fallecido. Se trata de una enfermedad desconocida en nuestro ámbito, contagiosa y de la que no existen precedentes en la Europa Occidental. De manera inmediata, el Departamento de Comunicación de la Consejería de Sanidad de la Comunidad de Madrid activa un protocolo de comunicación para informar sobre la evolución de la investigación epidemiológica, preservando la identidad de los pacientes y profesionales afectados por el caso e insistiendo en trasladar un mensaje de tranquilidad a la población. Se identifica un portavoz técnico para los medios de comunicación. A la vez se incluye la información en la página web de la Comunidad de Madrid, dirigida al ciudadano en general y toda la información sanitaria en la Intranet corporativa para que estén debidamente informados los profesionalessanitarios. De los 36 días en que estuvo activada la alerta, de los impactos evaluados (676) en los 42 medios de comunicación analizados (radio, prensa, televisión, digitales y medios especializados), tan solo se produjo una información negativa. La alerta se desactivó el 6 de octubre sin que se hubiese producido durante la misma alarma social

This study focuses on analysing and detailing the work done by the Department of Communication of the Health Department of the Community of Madrid during the management of cases ofCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) reported in Madrid in September 2016. One of the affected persons died and the second one, a nurse who attended the deceased patient, remained in an isolation unit. CCHF is a contagious disease without precedentsin Western Europe. Sanitary actions included both the recovery of the affected patient and the monitoring for 36 days of more than 400 people who could have been in contact with the virus.Immediately, the Press Office of the Department of Health launched a communication protocol to systematically report on epidemiological research. Daily and at the same time,a technical spokesperson was available to the media, using the e-mail as communication tool for spreading the information; the release as journalist format and the decision to offer the same contents to all the media. In the messages, the identity of patients and professionals was preserved. The alert was deactivated on October 6 without having occurred during the same social alarm. After analyzing the management, a communication model is proposed in crisis management, Este trabajo se centra en analizar y detallar la labor realizada por el Departamento de Comunicación de la Consejería de Sanidad de la Comunidad de Madrid durante la gestión informativa de los casos de fiebre hemorrágica de Crimea-Congo (FHCC) notificados en Madrid en septiembre de 2016. Una de las personas afectadas había fallecido y la segunda, una enfermera que atendió al primero, permanecía ingresada con carácter grave en una unidad de aislamiento. La enfermedad de FHCC es contagiosa y sin precedentes en Europa Occidental. Las actuaciones sanitarias incluyeron tanto la recuperación de la sanitaria afectada como el seguimiento durante 36 días a más de 400 personas que podrían haber estado en contacto con el virus. De manera inmediata, el Departamento de Comunicación de la Consejería de Sanidad de la Comunidad de Madrid puso en marcha un protocolo de comunicación para informar sobre la investigación epidemiológica de forma sistemática. Todos los días a la misma hora, con un portavoz técnico para los medios de comunicación, empleando el correo electrónico como canal de difusión de la información; bajo el formato periodístico de comunicado y la decisión de ofrecer a todos los medios de comunicación los mismos contenidos. En los mensajes se preserva la identidad de los pacientes y profesionales. La alerta se desactivó el 6 de octubre sin que se hubiese producido durante la misma alarma social. Tras el análisis de la gestión se propone un modelo de comunicación en la gestión de crisis

On August 31, 2016, two suspected cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) were reported to the Epidemiology Service of the Community of Madrid. One of the persons affected has died in the meantime. CCHF is a contagious disease and without precedents in Western Europe. The Press Office of the Community of Madrid's Health Department immediately activated a communication protocol to inform on the evolution of epidemiological research, preserving the identity of the patients and professionals and insisting on transferring a message of tranquillity to the population. A technical spokesperson was available to satisfy the demands of the media. Information aimed at the general publicwas included on the website of the Community of Madrid. All health information was made available on the corporate intranet so that health professionals were duly informed. The alert was activated during 36 days and only one negative information was produced regarding the evaluated impacts (676) in the 42 media analysed (radio, press, television, digital and specialized media).The alert was deactivated on October 6 without social alarm having occurred, El 31 de agosto de 2016 se notifican dos casos de sospecha de la fiebre hemorrágica de Crimea-Congo al Servicio de Epidemiologia de la Comunidad de Madrid. Una de las personas afectadas ha fallecido. Se trata de una enfermedad desconocida en nuestro ámbito, contagiosa y de la que no existen precedentes en la Europa Occidental. De manera inmediata, el Departamento de Comunicación de la Consejería de Sanidad de la Comunidad de Madrid activa un protocolo de comunicación para informar sobre la evolución de la investigación epidemiológica, preservando la identidad de los pacientes y profesionales afectados por el caso e insistiendo en trasladar un mensaje de tranquilidad a la población. Se identifica un portavoz técnico para los medios de comunicación. A la vez se incluye la información en la página web de la Comunidad de Madrid, dirigida al ciudadano en general y toda la información sanitaria en la Intranet corporativa para que estén debidamente informados los profesionalessanitarios. De los 36 días en que estuvo activada la alerta, de los impactos evaluados (676) en los 42 medios de comunicación analizados (radio, prensa, televisión, digitales y medios especializados), tan solo se produjo una información negativa. La alerta se desactivó el 6 de octubre sin que se hubiese producido durante la misma alarma social

Antiviral responses are regulated by conjugation of ubiquitin (Ub) and interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) to proteins. Certain classes of viruses encode Ub- or ISG15-specific proteases belonging to the ovarian tumor (OTU) superfamily. Their activity is thought to suppress cellular immune responses, but studies demonstrating the function of viral OTU proteases during infection are lacking. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV, family Nairoviridae) is a highly pathogenic human virus that encodes an OTU with both deubiquitinase and deISGylase activity as part of the viral RNA polymerase. We investigated CCHFV OTU function by inactivating protease catalytic activity or by selectively disrupting its deubiquitinase and deISGylase activity using reverse genetics. CCHFV OTU inactivation blocked viral replication independently of its RNA polymerase activity, while deubiquitinase activity proved critical for suppressing the interferon responses. Our findings provide insights into viral OTU functions and support the development of therapeutics and vaccines.

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne infection caused by a virus (CCHFV) from the Bunyaviridae family. Domestic and wild vertebrates are asymptomatic reservoirs for the virus, putting animal handlers, slaughter-house workers and agricultural labourers at highest risk in endemic areas, with secondary transmission possible through contact with infected blood and other bodily fluids. Human infection is characterized by severe symptoms that often result in death. While it is known that CCHFV transmission is limited to Africa, Asia and Europe, definitive global extents and risk patterns within these limits have not been well described. Methods:We used an exhaustive database of human CCHF occurrence records and a niche modeling framework to map the global distribution of risk for human CCHF occurrence. Results: A greater proportion of shrub or grass land cover was the most important contributor to our model, which predicts highest levels of risk around the Black Sea, Turkey, and some parts of central Asia. Sub-Saharan Africa shows more focalized areas of risk throughout the Sahel and the Cape region. Conclusions: These new risk maps provide a valuable starting point for understanding the zoonotic niche of CCHF, its extent and the risk it poses to humans., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus causes a severe hemorrhagic syndrome in humans with fatality rate up to 50%. Its transmission to humans is through the bite of Ixodid ticks or by contact with blood or tissues from infected livestock. Patient: By a nosocomial transmission of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a health care worker was infected in December 2008 due to a re-emerging outbreak of CCHF in Fars province, Iran. After admission of probable CCHF cases in a local hospital, one of the nurses contributed in taking care of the patients was infected with CCHF, though it seems that she had not had direct contact with blood and secretions of CCHF patients. The laboratory detected anti-CCHF virus IgM antibody through specific ELISA and also the CCHF virus genome in her serum by real-time and gelbased RT-PCR. She was improved by an alert and on time clinical diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: We recommend that in outbreaks of CCHF, care to prevent airborne transmission should be kept in mind.

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus causes a severe hemorrhagic syndrome in humans with fatality rate up to 50%. Its transmission to humans is through the bite of Ixodid ticks or by contact with blood or tissues from infected livestock. Patient: By a nosocomial transmission of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a health care worker was infected in December 2008 due to a re-emerging outbreak of CCHF in Fars province, Iran. After admission of probable CCHF cases in a local hospital, one of the nurses contributed in taking care of the patients was infected with CCHF, though it seems that she had not had direct contact with blood and secretions of CCHF patients. The laboratory detected anti-CCHF virus IgM antibody through specific ELISA and also the CCHF virus genome in her serum by real-time and gelbased RT-PCR. She was improved by an alert and on time clinical diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: We recommend that in outbreaks of CCHF, care to prevent airborne transmission should be kept in mind.

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus causes a severe hemorrhagic syndrome in humans with fatality rate up to 50%. Its transmission to humans is through the bite of Ixodid ticks or by contact with blood or tissues from infected livestock. Patient: By a nosocomial transmission of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a health care worker was infected in December 2008 due to a re-emerging outbreak of CCHF in Fars province, Iran. After admission of probable CCHF cases in a local hospital, one of the nurses contributed in taking care of the patients was infected with CCHF, though it seems that she had not had direct contact with blood and secretions of CCHF patients. The laboratory detected anti-CCHF virus IgM antibody through specific ELISA and also the CCHF virus genome in her serum by real-time and gelbased RT-PCR. She was improved by an alert and on time clinical diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: We recommend that in outbreaks of CCHF, care to prevent airborne transmission should be kept in mind.

The report provides an update on the role of the tick vectors in the epidemiology of African swine fever (ASF) and Crimean and Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Eurasia, specifically to review of the geographical distribution of the relevant ticks with presentation of maps of their occurrence in Europe and Mediterranean basin; a description of the factors that define the relevant tick population dynamics and identify possible high risk areas in the EU; an update on the role of tick vectors associated with CCHF and ASF in Eurasia; and reviews available methods for the control of the relevant tick vectors. Data were collected through systematic literature review in a database from which maps of geographic distribution of ticks, CCHF virus and ASF virus were issued. The main vectors for CCHF are Hyalomma spp, Increase in the number of fragmented areas and the degradation of agricultural lands to bush lands are the two main factors in the creation of new foci of CCHF in endemic areas. Movement of livestock and wildlife species, which may carry infected ticks, contributes to the spread of the infection. The Middle East and Balkan countries are the most likely sources of introduction of CCHFV into other European countries. All the Ornithodoros species investigated so far can become infective with ASF virus and are perhaps biological vectors. These ticks are important in maintaining the local foci of the ASFV, but do not play an active role in the geographical spread of the virus. Wild boars have never been found infested by Ornithodoros spp. because wild boars normally do not rest inside protected burrows, but above the ground. There is no single ideal solution to the control of ticks relevant for CCHF or ASF. The integrated control approach is probably the most effective., Panel members:Anette Bøtner, Donald M. Broom, Marcus G. Doherr, Mariano Domingo, Joerg Hartung, Linda Keeling, Frank Koenen, Simon More, David Morton, Pascal Oltenacu, Albert Osterhaus, Fulvio Salati, Mo Salman, Moez Sanaa, James Michael Sharp, Jan Arend Stegeman, Endre Szücs, Hans-Hermann Thulke, Philippe Vannier, Anthony John Webster, Martin Wierup. Correspondence: ahaw@efsa.europa.euAcknowledgement: The Panel wishes to thank the members of the Working Group on tick vectors: Mo Salman (Chair), Agustín Estrada-Peña, Robert Farkas, Thomas Jaenson, Frank Koenen, Maxime Madder, Ilaria Pascucci for the preparatory work of this scientific opinion and EFSA scientific officers: Jordi Tarrés-Call, Sofie Dhollander, and Milen Georgiev for the support provided to this scientific opinion, Medicinsk entomologi

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus (CCHF) and Lassa virus are giving sources illness to humans. In addition to zoonotic transmission, CCHF and Lassa virus can spread from person to person. After a short incubation period, CCHF and Lassa virus infections are characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, chills, headache and cough just like flu. Even some people are vomiting and have diarrhoea. After a few days of illness hemorrhagic manifestations occur. Treatment options for CCHF and Lassa viruses are limited, and there is no vaccine available for use in humans. The purpose of the present study was to produce recombinant nucleocapsid protein of Lassavirus and CCHF virus including an aminoterminal His-tag by a Semliki Forest Virus Replicon (pSFV 4.2). The recombinant proteins are planned to be used in future development of diagnostic methods.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus (CCHF) and Lassa virus are giving sources illness to humans. In addition to zoonotic transmission, CCHF and Lassa virus can spread from person to person. After a short incubation period, CCHF and Lassa virus infections are characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, chills, headache and cough just like flu. Even some people are vomiting and have diarrhoea. After a few days of illness hemorrhagic manifestations occur. Treatment options for CCHF and Lassa viruses are limited, and there is no vaccine available for use in humans. The purpose of the present study was to produce recombinant nucleocapsid protein of Lassavirus and CCHF virus including an aminoterminal His-tag by a Semliki Forest Virus Replicon (pSFV 4.2). The recombinant proteins are planned to be used in future development of diagnostic methods.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus causes one of the most severe diseases in humans, with a mortality rate of up to 30%. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of hard ticks or by contact with blood or tissues from human patients or infected livestock. Balkan Peninsula is an endemic region of the disease, and sporadic cases or even outbreaks are observed every year. The M RNA segment encodes for the glycoprotein precursor of two surface glycoproteins Gn and Gc. Up to now complete M RNA CCHF virus sequences have been published from strains isolated in Nigeria, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Russia. In the present study, the genetic characterization of the complete nucleotide sequence of the M RNA segment of a Balkan CCHF virus strain, Kosovo/9553/2001, isolated in summer of 2001 from a human fatal case in Kosovo is reported. This is the first published complete M nucleotide sequence of a CCHF virus strain isolated in Balkans. It was found that the Balkan strain is similar to the Russian strain, both strains differing from all other completely sequenced CCHF virus strains by approximately 22% at the nucleotide level forming an independent clade in the phylogenetic tree. (C) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus causes one of the most severe diseases in humans, with a mortality rate of up to 30%. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of hard ticks or by contact with blood or tissues from human patients or infected livestock. Balkan Peninsula is an endemic region of the disease, and sporadic cases or even outbreaks are observed every year. The M RNA segment encodes for the glycoprotein precursor of two surface glycoproteins Gn and Gc. Up to now complete M RNA CCHF virus sequences have been published from strains isolated in Nigeria, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Russia. In the present study, the genetic characterization of the complete nucleotide sequence of the M RNA segment of a Balkan CCHF virus strain, Kosovo/9553/2001, isolated in summer of 2001 from a human fatal case in Kosovo is reported. This is the first published complete M nucleotide sequence of a CCHF virus strain isolated in Balkans. It was found that the Balkan strain is similar to the Russian strain, both strains differing from all other completely sequenced CCHF virus strains by approximately 22% at the nucleotide level forming an independent clade in the phylogenetic tree. (C) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne disease caused by the arbovirus Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), which is a member of the Nairovirus genus (family Bunyaviridae). CCHF was first recognized during a large outbreak among agricultural workers in the mid-1940s in the Crimean peninsula. The disease now occurs sporadically throughout much of Africa, Asia, and Europe and results in an approximately 30% fatality rate. After a short incubation period, CCHF is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, chills, severe headache, dizziness, back, and abdominal pains. Additional symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, neuropsychiatric, and cardiovascular changes. In severe cases, hemorrhagic manifestations, ranging from petechiae to large areas of ecchymosis, develop. Numerous genera of ixodid ticks serve both as vector and reservoir for CCHFV; however, ticks in the genus Hyalomma are particularly important to the ecology of this virus. In fact, occurrence of CCHF closely approximates the known world distribution of Hyalomma spp. ticks. Therefore, exposure to these ticks represents a major risk factor for contracting disease; however, other important risk factors are known and are discussed in this review. In recent years, major advances in the molecular detection of CCHFV, particularly the use of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in clinical and tick samples have allowed for both rapid diagnosis of disease and molecular epidemiology studies. Treatment options for CCHF are limited. Immunotherapy and ribavirin have been tried with varying degrees of success during sporadic outbreaks of disease, but no case-controlled trials have been conducted. Consequently, there is currently no antiviral treatment for CCHF approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, renewed interested, Pub. in Antiviral Research, v64, p145-160, 2004. The original document contains color images.

Disease Vector Ecology Profiles (DVEPs) summarize unclassified literature on medically important arthropods, vertebrates and plants that may adversely affect troops in specific countries or regions around the world. Primary emphasis is on the epidemiology of arthropod-borne diseases and the bionomics and control of disease vectors. DVEPs have proved to be of significant value to commanders, medical planners, preventive medicine personnel, and particularly medical entomologists. These people use the information condensed in DVEPs to plan and implement prevention and control measures to protect deployed forces from disease, injury, and annoyance caused by vector and pest arthropods. Because the DVEP target audience is also responsible for protecting troops from venomous animals and poisonous plants, as well as zoonotic diseases for which arthropod vectors are unknown, limited material is provided on poisonous snakes, noxious plants, and diseases such as hantavirus. In this document vector-borne diseases are presented in two groups: those with immediate impact on military operations (incubation period 15 days) and those with delayed impact on military operations (incubation period 15 days). For each disease, information is presented on military importance, transmission cycle, vector profiles, and vector surveillance and suppression.

Disease Vector Ecology Profiles (DVEPs) summarize unclassified literature on medically important arthropods, vertebrates and plants that may adversely affect troops in specific countries or regions around the world. Primary emphasis is on the epidemiology of arthropod-borne diseases and the bionomics and control of disease vectors. DVEPs have proved to be of significant value to commanders, medical planners, preventive medicine personnel, and particularly medical entomologists. These people use the information condensed in DVEPs to plan and implement prevention and control measures to protect deployed forces from disease, injury, and annoyance caused by vector and pest arthropods. Because the DVEP target audience is also responsible for protecting troops from venomous animals and poisonous plants, as well as zoonotic diseases for which arthropod vectors are unknown, limited material is provided on poisonous snakes, noxious plants, and diseases like hantavirus.

Disease Vector Ecology Profiles (DVEPs) summarize unclassified literature on medically important arthropods, vertebrates and plants that may adversely affect troops in specific countries or regions around the world. Primary emphasis is on the epidemiology of arthropod-borne diseases and the bionomics and control of disease vectors. DVEPs have proved to be of significant value to commanders, medical planners, preventive medicine personnel, and particularly medical entomologists. These people use the information condensed in DVEPs to plan and implement prevention and control measures to protect deployed forces from disease, injury, and annoyance caused by vector and pest arthropods. Because the DVEP target audience is also responsible for protecting troops from venomous animals and poisonous plants, as well as zoonotic diseases for which arthropod vectors are unknown, limited material is provided on poisonous snakes, noxious plants, and diseases like hantavirus.

The fifth and final year of research on the transmission ecology of tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus in the West African savannah was devoted to integration and analysis of results, and continued surveillance at field sites. These observations of tick and virus activity in northern Senegal produced numerous new isolates of CCHF virus, principally from adult Hyalomma rufipes and H. truncatum; tick abundance at the prospective study sites remained low as in previous years. The results of our efforts during the five-year period are summarized for 23 studies grouped into 5 domains: (a) tick ecology and behavior, (b) experimental transmission studies, (c) vector competence and vectorial capacity, (d) epidemiology and epizootiology, and (e) studies of other associated arboviruses.