Mali: seven dead from “Crimea-Congo” hemorrhagic fever in the center

Text by: RFI Follow

Seven people died in Kéra, in the Mopti region, from a hemorrhagic fever called "Crimea-Congo", a viral disease which is transmitted by infected ticks, but also by blood contact.

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With our correspondent in Bamako, Serge Daniel

According to the point made this Wednesday at the Council of Ministers, to date, 14 cases of hemorrhagic fever commonly known as "Crimea-Congo" (it prevailed in 1944 in Crimea and in 1958 in Congo) have been detected in a village in the center from Mali. Seven people from the same family died.

The rest were taken to a modern health center. According to our information, they were isolated. The virus reservoir? Animals, especially cattle, which in turn transmit the disease to humans through infected ticks. Contagion also occurs through the tissues of infected animals.

But between humans, transmission of the disease can also occur. In particular following direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or biological fluids of infected subjects.

The government is mobilizing. The health system is on alert with an awareness campaign. Authorities say the situation is under control. Several villages in the Mopti region are on the lookout for symptoms of the disease: fever, aches and bleeding. Against this rare fever which already made victims in Mali, ten years ago, there is no treatment specifically adapted.

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• Mali
• Health and Medicine

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