The virus is endemic in the area and outbreaks usually occur about every 5 years. ProMed, February 12 and 14, 2001. CCHF is transmitted by ticks or through contact with blood or other material from an infected person or animal. The incubation period is usually about 3 to 7 days. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, myalgia, abdominal pain, photophobia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia.
Treatment is supportive.
Travelers should take precautions against tick bites and avoid close physical contact with infected people and their body fluids. A 32-year old woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo who was traveling to Canada for business reasons became severely ill shortly after arriving and is still in critical condition. According to media reports, experts have been unable to identify the cause of her illness. Tests have ruled out all of the viral hemorrhagic fevers. She does have malaria, but at a very low level of infection.