Abstract

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is one of the most widely seen viral haemorrhagic fever in the world. The CCHF virus is transmitted by the infected ticks or blood and body fluids of infected humans and animals. In therapy, besides the fluid and blood products, ribavirin as an antiviral should be considered. Ribavirin was reported to be the most effective antiviral among the alternatives against CCCF virus in vitro. Observational studies reported the beneficial effect of ribavirin. Placebo controlled randomized studies cannot be performed according to Helsinki declaration. Ribavirin was reported to be effective if it was given at the earlier days of the disease. In later phase, steroid therapy was suggested. Severity scoring was suggested before starting the ribavirin treatment. Convalescent immune globulin use was not found to be beneficial. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with ribavirin is strongly suggested for healthcare workers with high-risk exposure. No fatality was reported after PEP with ribavirin. Using ribavirin for PEP effectively is consistent with using it for therapy at the early phase of the disease.