Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: Efforts, recommendations and challenges at hand
Leah Greene, Olivier Uwishema, Nicholas Aderinto, Arushi Kapoor, Christin Berjaoui, Emmanuel Adamolekun, Carlo Khoury, Fatima Elbasri Abuelgasim Mohammed, Helen Onyeaka
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions have suffered globally and as a result, attention and resources for other diseases, such as Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), has declined. Despite a significantly lower incidence rate compared to COVID-19, CCHF has a considerably higher mortality rate at approximately 30%. Both diseases share symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, sore throat, however they have different modes of transmission, mortality rates, and incubation periods. Public health professionals have faced several challenges when attempting to prevent and control the spread of both diseases and despite their differences, many of the prevention methods remain the same. These include increasing public awareness regarding avoiding contact with infected individuals and animals, training healthcare professionals in emergency and preparedness for disease outbreaks and increasing the investment in medical supplies and treatment to control the spread of both diseases.