MUII Plus PhD Fellow investigates Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever exposure in Arua

CCHF is a viral zoonosis (Animal to Humans) caused by infection with a tick-borne virus. Just like malaria, many diseases including CCHF bring about an illness with fever. In most circumstances, the victims become unwell and are unable to tell what the cause is. The CCHF hosts include; cattle, sheep, goats, dogs among others. These become infected after being bitten by infected ticks. Human transmission may occur when they get into contact with infected ticks through tick bites or direct blood contact with infected animals. It can also be transmitted from an infected person to another. In humans, CCHF can present with several symptoms like; sudden onset of high-grade fever, muscle aches, neck pains, neck stiffness, backache, headache, sore eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes bleeding from body openings

Speaking to Angunda Christopher a farmer in Oleba Village, Adumi Sub County on why he participated in the exercise, he said, “I brought my animals so that I could find out if they have any diseases since most of the animals in our community become ill and we can’t figure out what exactly they are suffering from which leads to death…”. In the Principle Investigator’s words during the Study site initiation meeting at Adumi Sub County, the MUII Plus PhD fellow, Stella Atim emphasized, “…we are here to know what makes some people to develop illness such as that caused by CCHF Virus. We think that the ticks that live on animals play a part in spreading this disease…” Dr. Anguyo Lawrence the Assistant Veterinary officer, Adumi Sub County said that the study will help in guiding the Veterinary doctors in administering proper treatment for particular diseases in animals. He also advised that the project team endeavors to come back to the community and sensitize them in case any disease is identified.

Adumi Sub County which is considered as the control center of the study is located in Arua district in the West Nile and shares a boarder with Congo.