Objective: We aimed to analyse patients with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) followed in our clinic.

Methods: Clinical features, laboratory findings and treatments of 12 patients with CCHF followed between 2009 and 2018 were analysed retrospectively.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 37.6±13.7 (ranges 17-59); 5 (42%) were female and 7 (58%) were male. All had a history of visit to the rural areas. Fever in 10 (83%) and fatigue in 6 (50%) patients were the most common symptoms. 11 (92%) patients were from Konya and its surroundings, and 1 (8%) from Gümüşhane, endemic for CCHF. Tick exposure was detected in 10 (83%) cases. Diagnosis was made by CCHF virus (CCHFV) RNA positivity by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 10 patients, while anti-CCHFV IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were positive in two PCR-negative patients. Four patients received blood and blood products for bleeding and five patients received oral ribavirin. Eleven patients were cured and one died. There was not any nosocomial transmission in our hospital.

Conclusions: In prevention of CCHF, personal protection and prevention from the tick bites should be ensured. Training about transmission routes and prevention methods of CCHF should be provided to health care personnel and persons especially living in rural areas. Because Beyşehir Lake which lies in the Beyşehir province of Konya, is on the migration routes of migratory birds, it should be considered that inhabitants living in the region are at risk for CCHF. CCHF should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with fever, fatigue, thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes.

Klimik Dergisi 2019; 32(3): 292-7.

Cite this article as: Kepenek-Kurt E, Kandemir B, Erayman İ, Bulut R, Bitirgen M. [Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and the role of the migrating birds]. Klimik Derg. 2019; 32(3): 292-7. Turkish.