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Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever - Diagnosis and Treatment Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral illness carried by ticks and livestock. While the name might suggest a connection to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the virus actually derives its name from the Crimean peninsula where it was first identified in 1944. CCHF poses a significant public health threat across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe. Due to the lack of a specific cure and its potential for severe complications, early diagnosis and supportive treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes. The Cunning Culprit: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus CCHF belongs to the Nairoviridae family, a group of viruses transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes. The virus itself is a single-stranded RNA virus, meaning its genetic material is encoded in ribonucleic acid. Ticks, particularly of the Hyalomma genus, serve as the primary reservoir for the virus. Humans can contract CCHF through: