Austria: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case reported in Vienna

Officials in Vienna, Austria report a confirmed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever infection is currently being treated at the Favoriten Clinic of the Vienna Healthcare Group.

The individual is in stable condition and is receiving comprehensive care from experts in infectious diseases and tropical medicine. Symptoms appeared after a stay in the Middle East, and the person promptly sought medical attention. Due to the severity of the symptoms, the infectious diseases department at the Favoriten Clinic was consulted early on, and the patient was isolated in accordance with applicable medical and hygiene standards.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever 101

Diagnostic tests have now confirmed the suspected case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. According to current medical assessment, the infection occurred during the stay in the Middle East.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a rare viral infectious disease primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Infection can also occur through direct contact with the blood or tissue of infected animals. The disease is prevalent in parts of Africa, Southeast Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

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Typical initial symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, back pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. In severe cases, bleeding and further organ damage, even leading to multiple organ failure, can occur. Human-to-human transmission is possible, but occurs primarily through close and unprotected contact with blood or other bodily fluids. Transmission through everyday social contact is extremely unlikely.

“Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a very rare and serious infection. It is fortunate that the disease was diagnosed quickly and the infected person is now in a special isolation ward. The patient is in the best hands and is receiving comprehensive care from a team of experts,” says Christoph Wenisch, Head of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at the Favoriten Clinic.