Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever /krīmē″ən/ , an arbovirus infection caused by the virus Nairovirus of the family Bunyaviridae, transmitted to humans through the bite of a tick, characterized by fever, dizziness, muscle ache, vomiting, headache, and other neurological symptoms. After several days in severe cases, bleeding from the skin and mucous membranes, particularly from the mouth and nose; bloody sputum or vomit; and blood-tinged feces may be seen. Transfusion may be necessary to replace lost blood; otherwise treatment is symptomatic and supportive. The mortality rate is approximately 30%. Death occurs in the second week of infection. No specific medication or therapy is available for prevention or cure. It occurs mainly in Russia, Asia, and Africa; agricultural workers are most often afflicted. See also hemorrhagic fever, Omsk hemorrhagic fever.
