Jordan free of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever for decades, says health official

Jordan has not reported any cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in decades, according to the Director of the Jordan Center for Epidemics and Communicable Diseases (JCDC), Dr. Adel Belbisi. While this remains a positive sign, health officials are urging continued vigilance as infections have reemerged in nearby countries.

In a recent statement, Dr. Belbisi emphasized that Jordan’s long-standing absence of CCHF cases does not mean lowering vigilance, noting that full preparedness is required to manage any potential infections.

CCHF is a severe and often fatal viral disease caused by a virus in the Bunyaviridae family. It is endemic in various regions across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The disease was first identified in the Crimean Peninsula and later in the Congo, giving it its name.

Transmission typically occurs through bites from infected ticks, contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected animals or humans, or through unsafe slaughter practices. Healthcare workers are also at risk if protective protocols are not strictly followed.

Symptoms often appear suddenly and include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, rash, fatigue, and bleeding from the mouth or nose. In severe cases, both internal and external bleeding may occur, with the disease carrying a high risk of fatality.

The incubation period varies: it can be as short as one to three days following a tick bite and up to 13 days if infection occurs via contact with bodily fluids. Diagnosis relies on specialized lab testing, including ELISA, RT-PCR, and virus isolation.

There is currently no widely accepted, safe, and effective vaccine for CCHF, Dr. Belbisi said, although some limited vaccines have been used in parts of Eastern Europe.

As such, prevention is considered the most effective defense. Dr. Belbisi called for greater public awareness, stressing the importance of protective clothing, use of insect repellents, and avoiding tick-infested areas during peak seasons.

He also recommended spraying livestock with approved pesticides, using gloves during animal handling, and enforcing strict hygiene and safety protocols in slaughterhouses and at home.

In healthcare settings, Dr. Belbisi underscored the importance of minimizing physical contact with infected individuals, consistent use of personal protective equipment, and maintaining strict hand hygiene.