Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Turkey: Current status and future challenges

- Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is an emerging infectious disease in Turkey, with nearly 10,000 cases since 2002.
- Early supportive treatment is essential for the management of CCHF.
- Research is needed to investigate and develop antiviral drugs, immune therapy and vaccines.
- There is a need for rapid diagnostic methods with high sensitivity and specificity.
- A robust surveillance system, education and community engagement are keys to finding cases early and improving outcomes.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral disease of humans that affects a wide geographic area of Africa and Eurasia, including Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Russia. Since the first detection of CCHF cases in Turkey in 2002, more than 9700 patients have been reported, with an overall mortality rate just under 5%. This article assesses the present epidemiological situation of CCHF in Turkey, with an updated literature review, describes national practices and summarizes lessons learned in preparation for future outbreaks.