Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Afghanistan.

27 Dec 2017

On 17 December 2017 the World Health Organisation (WHO) Link reported an increase in the number of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) cases in Afghanistan. A total of 237 cases (including 41 deaths) have been reported from 27 provinces in 2017. The largest number of cases was reported from the capital city Kabul where there were 71 cases (including 13 deaths). Herat Province reported 67 cases (including 10 deaths).

Kabul and Herat Provinces border Pakistan and Iran respectively: uncontrolled cross-border livestock movement is common in these areas.

Advice for Travellers

CCHF is found in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe/the Balkans and the Middle East. It is a low risk for the average traveller; it is spread by infected ticks from a reservoir usually in animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. CCHF can also be transmitted by contact with the blood of an infected animal. Avoidance of tick bites is essential in risk areas.

For further information see Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever.