Epidemiology and Outcomes of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Afghanistan: A Review of 2010–2019

Kubra Rahmani; Raihana Behrad; Ali Rahimi; Sharareh Shayan; Gökçe Uğurlu; Nasar Ahmad Shayan

doi:10.60141/AJID/V.2.I.1.8

Authors

Kubra Rahmani Roshana Eye Hospital https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2828-5785
Raihana Behrad Ghalib University https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9439-2516
Ali Rahimi Jami University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5821-9177
Sharareh Shayan Jami University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4250-3063
Gökçe Uğurlu Hacettepe University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6976-8451
Nasar Ahmad Shayan Western University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8857-7765

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60141/AJID/V.2.I.1.8

Keywords:

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever, CCHF, Afghanistan, systematic review, public health

Abstract

Background: The study investigates the recent surge in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) cases in Afghanistan, a high-risk viral disease transmitted through tick bites and livestock, and aims to identify patterns of the increase and offer prevention strategies.

Methods: A systematic review of all scholarly articles published on CCHF in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2019 was conducted using a comprehensive and rigorous search strategy using the PubMed database. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results: During the study period, 1537 suspected cases of CCHF were reported in Afghanistan, with the highest number and deaths in the western region. The majority of cases were male, aged 16-84, and involved in animal husbandry, agriculture, and healthcare workers, with a 2:1 male-to-female ratio. The majority of cases were aged 16-84.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for effective measures to prevent CCHF transmission in Afghanistan, such as education, improved animal management, and infection control in hospitals and laboratories, to reduce outbreak risks and enhance public health.

Author Biographies

Kubra Rahmani, Roshana Eye Hospital

Roshana Eye Hospital, Herat, Afghanistan

Raihana Behrad, Ghalib University

General Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ghalib University, Herat, Afghanistan

Ali Rahimi, Jami University

Scientific Research Center, Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan

And Department of Para-clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan

Sharareh Shayan, Jami University

Department of Para-clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan

Gökçe Uğurlu, Hacettepe University

Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey

Nasar Ahmad Shayan, Western University

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada

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