The geographic distribution of cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: Kastamonu, Turkey

The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of cases diagnosed with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) with the help of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and to establish an epidemiological risk map. Data for 434 cases diagnosed with CCHF between 01.01.2004 and 31.12.2013 were subjected to statistical analysis SPSS 13.0 software. A digital map of Kastamonu was transferred onto ArcGIS 10.0 software in order to establish a risk map for CCHF. The highest cumulative incidence of CCHF is 41.29/10,000, and in people living at altitudes of 1001–1200 meters. ROC analysis of altitudes above sea level of residences with CCHF cases revealed an area under the curve of 74.5% (95% CI: 0.72-0.76, p < 0.05). At a cut-off point of 836.5 meters, sensitivity was 0.74 and specificity 0.76. Cumulative incidence of CCHF was significantly positively correlated with number of animals per head (r = 0.76) and area of agricultural land per head (r = 0.59) (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was determined between cumulative incidence and forested area percentages. This study reveals that both men and women living at more than 836.5 meters above sea level and working in agriculture and animal husbandry are at risk of CCHF between May and July. Detailed examination of the ecology of vector ticks is now needed in order to fully determine the epidemiology of the disease

Evaluation of the Knowledge of Family Physicians Regarding Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Kastamonu

Introduction: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is seen as a major public health problem in our country every year since 2002. Healthcare workers are among the groups at risk for the disease. In this study, we aimed to detect the general knowledge of family physicians in Kastamonu about CCHF. Materials and Methods: Family physicians working in the province of Kastamonu were contacted by email regarding completing a questionnaire about CCHF. Results: Family physicians attended this research in Kastamonu (n= 101). Their mean age was 33.9 ± 5.2 years. Seventy-two (71.3%) were male and 29 (28.7%) were female. The duration of working years of the physicians was 9.7 ± 5.3 (1-22). Seventy-four of the family physicians reported having CCHF-diagnosed patients. When the questionnaires were evaluated, it was seen that family physicians have sufficient knowledge about the transmission routes, risk groups and clinical findings of CCHF. However, their knowledge regarding the laboratory findings of CCHF was inadequate. Seventy of the family physicians stated that the risk of their jobs increases when they follow CCHF patients and that, given a choice, they would prefer not to examine patients with CCHF. Conclusion: In regions endemic for CCHF, patients first present to their family physicians. Thus, it is important that the family physicians have adequate knowledge about the diagnosis and follow-up of the disease. It is concluded that the knowledge of the family physicians in Kastamonu about the laboratory findings of CCHF should be improved