It is believed that the agent responsible for this outbreak is the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, but laboratory confirmation has not yet been obtained. In cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, onset of illness usually occurs 3 to 7 days following a tick bite. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, myalgia, abdominal pain, photophobia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Conjunctivitis and pharyngitis are often present. A hemorrhagic state develops from the third to the fifth day.
Treatment is usually supportive.
Ribavirin has been effective in treating some types of viral hemorrhagic fever. Travelers should take precautions against insect bites and avoid close physical contact with infected people and their body fluids.