Amman: Director of the Jordan Center for Epidemics and Communicable Diseases (JCDC), Adel Belbisi, affirmed Jordan has not recorded any cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) "in decades."
According to Jordan News Agency, Belbisi emphasized that the absence of CCHF cases in Jordan should not lead to complacency. He stressed the need for continued vigilance and full preparedness to manage any potential infections, especially considering the emergence of cases in neighboring countries.
Belbisi explained that CCHF is a severe viral disease belonging to the Bunyaviridae family, endemic in parts of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. The disease was first identified in the Crimean Peninsula and later in the Congo, which gave it its name.
Transmission of CCHF occurs mainly through bites from infected ticks, direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected animals or humans, or through unprotected traditional slaughter practices. Additionally, transmission can occur in healthcare settings if preventive measures are not adhered to.
The disease typically manifests suddenly, with symptoms including fever, headache, muscle pain, bleeding from the mouth or nose, rash, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can cause internal and external bleeding and may be fatal. The incubation period varies based on the mode of transmission, typically ranging from 1 to 3 days (up to 9) for tick bites, and 5 to 6 days (up to 13) for contact with infected fluids.
Belbisi noted that diagnosis is possible through laboratory tests such as ELISA, antigen detection, RT-PCR, and virus isolation in cell cultures. While limited vaccines have been used in parts of Eastern Europe, there is currently no widely accepted, safe, and effective vaccine for CCHF.
He emphasized that prevention remains the most effective strategy against CCHF. Belbisi called for public awareness campaigns about risk factors and behaviors that reduce exposure, including wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, and avoiding tick-prone areas during peak seasons.
To limit animal-to-human transmission, Belbisi recommended regular spraying of livestock with approved pesticides, wearing gloves and protective gear during animal handling, and implementing safety protocols in slaughterhouses and at home. He also highlighted the importance of protective measures in healthcare settings, such as avoiding physical contact with infected individuals, using personal protective equipment, and frequent handwashing.