What are the symptoms
of Omsk hemorrhagic fever? |
![Go to top of page](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081010122221im_/http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/images/to_top.gif) |
After an incubation period of 3-8 days, the symptoms of OHF begin suddenly
with fever, headache, severe muscle pain, cough, dehydration, gastrointestinal
symptoms and bleeding problems. Patients may experience abnormally low
blood pressure, and low platelet, red blood cell, and white blood cell
counts. After 1-2 weeks of symptoms, some patients recover without complication.
However, in most patients, the illness is biphasic and the patient begins
experiencing a second wave of symptoms at the beginning of the third week.
These symptoms include fever and signs of encephalitis (inflammation of
the brain).
How is Omsk hemorrhagic
fever diagnosed? |
![Go to top of page](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081010122221im_/http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/images/to_top.gif) |
The diagnosis is made by virus isolation from blood or by serologic testing
using enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA).
Are there complications
after recovery? |
![Go to top of page](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081010122221im_/http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/images/to_top.gif) |
OHF frequently causes hearing loss, hair loss, and behavioral or psychological
difficulties associated with neurological conditions.
Is Omsk hemorrhagic
fever fatal? |
![Go to top of page](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081010122221im_/http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/images/to_top.gif) |
The case fatality rate of OHF is 0.5% to 3%,
How is Crimean-Congo
hemorrhagic fever treated? |
![Go to top of page](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081010122221im_/http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/images/to_top.gif) |
Treatment for CCHF is primarily supportive. Care should include careful
attention to fluid balance and correction of electrolyte abnormalities,
oxygenation and hemodynamic support, and appropriate treatment of secondary
infections. The virus is sensitive in vitro to the antiviral drug ribavirin.
It has been used in the treatment of CCHF patients reportedly with some
benefit.
How is Omsk hemorrhagic
fever treated? |
![Go to top of page](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081010122221im_/http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/images/to_top.gif) |
There is no specific treatment for OHF, but supportive therapy is important.
Supportive therapy includes the maintenance of hydration and the usual
precautions for patients with bleeding disorders.
Who is at risk
for the diseases? |
![Go to top of page](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081010122221im_/http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/images/to_top.gif) |
In areas where the reservoirs and tick species are prevalent, people
with recreational or occupational exposure to rural or outdoor settings
(e.g., hunters, campers, forest workers, farmers) are potentially at risk
for OHF by contact with infected ticks. Furthermore, those in Siberia
who hunt and trap muskrats specifically are at higher risk for OHF.
How is Omsk hemorrhagic
fever prevented? |
![Go to top of page](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081010122221im_/http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/images/to_top.gif) |
There is no vaccine currently available for OHF, but vaccines for other
tick-borne encephalitis diseases have shown to confer immunity and may
be used for high-risk groups. Additionally, utilizing insect repellents
and wearing protective clothing in areas where ticks are endemic is recommended.
Related materials: |
![Go to top of page](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081010122221im_/http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/images/to_top.gif) |