Since the beginning of 2024, Kazakhstan has recorded 16 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), according to data from the Ministry of Health. The cases were identified in the Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions, as well as in Shymkent, where three incidents were noted, including one fatality.
The Ministry of Health's report indicates that ten individuals contracted CCHF through direct contact with animals during grazing activities. Five people were infected by tick bites, and one person became ill after spending time outdoors in an endemic area. Currently, 115 people who were in contact with the infected patients are under medical supervision.
Experts have noted a decrease in the incidence of CCHF, with a 43% reduction compared to the previous year. In the first half of 2023, the country did not register any cases of cholera, anthrax, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, or rabies. Additionally, there was a 27% decrease in tuberculosis cases and an 18% reduction in salmonellosis cases.
The Ministry of Health has advised citizens to take necessary precautions to prevent infection. They recommend that individuals consult a doctor immediately if they experience any symptoms of CCHF. Common symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, dizziness, neck pain and stiffness, backache, headache, sore eyes, and photophobia (sensitivity to light).
CCHF is a viral disease typically transmitted by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues. The disease can be severe, with a high mortality rate. Symptoms may include sudden onset of fever, chills, severe headache, dizziness, and neck pain, followed by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, patients may experience liver enlargement, jaundice, mood swings, and a range of hemorrhagic symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and bruising.
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