Close contact precautions could prevent an outbreak of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever: A case series report from southern part of Tehran

Abstract

Between the end of June and the middle of July 2011, an outbreak of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever occurred in southern part of Tehran, Iran. This study reports clinical, laboratory findings and outcome of six cases, who were all consanguine. Index case who was livestock-worker died with hemorrhagic manifestations; thereafter his pregnant wife, three brothers, mother-in-law and his pregnant sister-in-law were admitted and except for the latter, ribavirin was administered. The brother with close contact with body fluids and blood of index case, died with hemorrhage. Low platelet, high aminotransferases and elevated PT, PTT were detected in this case. Skin manifestations were present in five cases. Only in one case RT-PCR and IgM serology were reported as positive for CCHF virus by reference laboratory. In endemic areas, high index of suspicion should be kept in mind in successfully finding and treating cases in early phase of the disease.

Keywords

• Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
• tick-borne disease
• outbreak
• ribavirin prophylaxis