How the virus is transmitted
The main route is the bite of a tick of the genus Hyalomma, which is active from spring to late summer in steppe and foothill areas. The second route is contact: the virus penetrates through microcracks in the skin when the tick is crushed with fingers, as well as when the blood of a sick animal gets on the skin and mucous membranes during slaughter. It is possible for medical workers and relatives caring for a patient to become infected through contact with his blood and secretions. The animals themselves are outwardly healthy, so the danger cannot be assessed by their appearance.
- Ixodid tick bite
- Crushing a tick with unprotected hands
- Slaughter and dressing of infected livestock carcasses
- Contact with blood and secretions of a sick person
- Caring for a patient without gloves or a mask
Symptoms and stages
The incubation period after a bite is usually from one to three days, for contact with blood - up to a week. The initial phase proceeds like a severe flu and lasts several days. Then, in some patients, the hemorrhagic phase begins - the most dangerous period when blood clotting is disrupted. Deterioration occurs quickly, sometimes within a few hours, so the condition of the house cannot be assessed.
- Sudden fever, chills, severe headache
- Pain in muscles, lower back, joints
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Redness of the face, neck and eyes in the first days
- Pinpoint hemorrhages on the skin and mucous membranes
- Bleeding from the nose, gums, gastrointestinal tract
- Liver enlargement, jaundice, confusion
What to do if bitten by a tick
The tick must be removed as soon as possible, but correctly: grab it with tweezers close to the skin and pull it out, without jerking it out or crushing it with your fingers. There is no need to pour oil on the tick, burn it or treat it with kerosene - this makes it produce more saliva. After removal, the area is treated with an antiseptic and hands are washed. Next, the temperature is measured in the morning and evening for two weeks. If the temperature rises, you need to immediately inform the doctor about the bite - this detail completely changes the examination tactics.
- Remove the tick with tweezers or thread without crushing it
- Wear gloves when removing a tick from another person
- Treat the wound with an antiseptic
- Take your temperature twice a day for two weeks
- If you have any fever, consult a doctor immediately and tell them about the bite.
- Do not take painkillers that reduce clotting on your own.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is based on a combination of epidemiological data, clinical findings and laboratory confirmation. The virus is detected by PCR in the blood in the first days of illness, antibodies appear later. A general blood test is characterized by a decrease in platelets and leukocytes, and in biochemistry - an increase in liver enzymes. A coagulogram shows a coagulation disorder. All manipulations with the patient’s blood are performed with increased protective measures, so the examination is carried out in a specialized institution, and not in a regular clinic.
- Blood PCR for CCHF virus
- Determination of IgM and IgG antibodies over time
- Complete blood count with platelet count
- Coagulogram and coagulation parameters
- Liver enzymes ALT and AST
- Creatinine and urea to assess kidney function
Treatment and prevention
Treatment is carried out only in a hospital: fluid volume is replenished, platelets, plasma and red blood cells are transfused if necessary, and kidney and liver function is supported. The question of an antiviral drug is decided by the doctor. You should absolutely not take blood thinners or drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. There is no vaccine with proven effectiveness for widespread use, so the main protection is to prevent a tick bite and contact with animal blood.
- Hospitalization and monitoring of blood counts
- Infusion therapy and transfusion of blood components
- Antiviral therapy according to the doctor's decision
- Covered clothing and repellents during tick season
- Inspection of the body and clothing after a walk and field work
- Gloves and protection for slaughter and butchering
- Treating livestock against ticks on farms