Asad Zia , Arshad Islam , Syeda Aiman , Salman Khan , Khizar Abdullah Khan , Mubarak Ali Khan , Khalid Rehman , Anwar Ullah , Muhammad Sohaib , Aakash Ahmad Khattak , Muhammad Ishfaq , Matiullah Khattak , Massab Umair , Yasar Mehmood Yousafzai
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) poses a significant public health threat, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, where its prevalence and epidemiological distribution remain poorly documented. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology, prevalence, and transmission dynamics of the 2023 CCHFV outbreak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the Eid-ul-Adha season.
Methods
From April to July 2023, 109 suspected cases were enrolled. Laboratory confirmation was performed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Demographic, clinical, and epidemiological data were analyzed to identify high-risk groups and outbreak dynamics.
Results
Out of the suspected cases, 15 (13.76 %) were confirmed CCHFV positive, with males comprising 80 % of cases (n = 12). The highest prevalence (33.33 %) was recorded in Peshawar district, and 53 % of cases had a history of animal exposure. A significant spike (5 cases) occurred in the 29th epidemiological week, following Eid-ul-Adha. Clinical symptoms included fever, body aches, confusion, and bleeding episodes. The case fatality rate (CFR) was 26.67 % (male-specific CFR: 33.33 %), while all female patients recovered.
Conclusion
These findings underscore the critical public health concern posed by CCHFV in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The heightened risk associated with Eid-ul-Adha, coupled with age and gender demographics, necessitates targeted awareness initiatives, preventive strategies, and strengthened surveillance during peak risk periods to mitigate transmission and prevent future outbreaks. However, it’s important to acknowledge the study’s limitations, such as the relatively small sample size, potential selection bias, and the absence of a control group.
Future directions
Future research with larger sample sizes and more comprehensive data collection is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of CCHFV in this region
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Infection and Public Health, first official journal of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and the Saudi Association for Public Health, aims to be the foremost scientific, peer-reviewed journal encompassing infection prevention and control, microbiology, infectious diseases, public health and the application of healthcare epidemiology to the evaluation of health outcomes. The point of view of the journal is that infection and public health are closely intertwined and that advances in one area will have positive consequences on the other.
The journal will be useful to all health professionals who are partners in the management of patients with communicable diseases, keeping them up to date. The journal is proud to have an international and diverse editorial board that will assist and facilitate the publication of articles that reflect a global view on infection control and public health, as well as emphasizing our focus on supporting the needs of public health practitioners.
It is our aim to improve healthcare by reducing risk of infection and related adverse outcomes by critical review, selection, and dissemination of new and relevant information in the field of infection control, public health and infectious diseases in all healthcare settings and the community.