Nose-bleed fever: A strange and deadly fever is spreading through Iraq, causing nosebleeds, fevers, and in some cases, death. Iraq is battling yet another life-threatening virus, this time a fever that causes victims to bleed to death.
The outbreak of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), which is spreading from animals to humans, has heightened the frightening situation in Iraq.
What is the nose-bleed fever (CCHF)?
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease carried by ticks with a high fatality rate in humans, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. It has been linked to uncontrollable bleeding, a high fever, and vomiting.
There’s a new fever sweeping Iraq, and it’s not your typical cold or flu. This strange illness is causing people to experience nosebleeds, sometimes up to three times a day. While the cause of this outbreak is still unknown, health officials are urging people to take precautions against catching the disease.
This so-called “nose-bleed fever” has already affected hundreds of people in Iraq, and the number of cases seems to be rising. The symptoms are similar to those of a cold or flu, with a fever and runny nose, but the addition of nosebleeds is what makes this illness particularly alarming.
So far there have been no reports of this disease spreading outside of Iraq, but with international travel so common these days, it’s possible that the nose-bleed fever could soon become a global health concern. In the meantime, if you’re planning to travel to Iraq, be sure to wash your hands often and avoid close contact with sick people. And if you start experiencing any symptoms yourself, see a doctor right away.
CCHF SYMPTOMS:
The initial signs and symptoms include:
- Headache
- High fever
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Red eyes
- A flushed face
- Red throat
- Petechiae (red spots) on the palate.
Theories on how the fever is spread
There are a few theories on how the nose-bleed fever is spreading in Iraq. It is spreading from animals to humans. Crimean hemorrhagic fever was named after the disease, which was originally discovered in Crimea in 1944. It was later identified as the cause of illness in the Congo in 1969. According to the WHO, CCHF is endemic throughout Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Asia.
How to prevent the nose-bleed fever
The nose-bleed fever is a disease that is spreading in Iraq. The best way to prevent this disease is to avoid contact with sick people, and to practice good hygiene. If you are sick, it is important to see a doctor immediately and to follow their instructions.
CCHF Vaccine
There is no widely accessible vaccine for the CCHF virus in humans or animals. WHO stated, “The only method to prevent infection in people is to raise knowledge of the risk factors and educate people about the steps they may take to reduce viral exposure.”
