CCHF Medical Abbreviation

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

A viral disease characterized by hemorrhage and fever. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe disease with a high mortality (death) rate. The geographical distribution of the virus, like that of the tick that carries it, is widespread. CCHF has been found in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The CCHF virus infects a wide range of domestic and wild animals that serve as reservoirs for the virus. Ticks carry the virus from animal to animal and from animal to human. The most important source for acquisition of the virus by ticks is infected small vertebrate animals on which the ticks feed. Once infected, the tick remains infected through its lifespan.