Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Southern Kazakhstan, 2023-2024: A descriptive epidemiology

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 M. Aikimbayev’s National Scientific Center of Especially Dangerous Infectiou, JSC «National Holding «QazBioPharm», Almaty, Kazakhstan

2 Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring, Branch of National Center for Public Health, Almaty, Kazakhstan

3 Shymkent Antiplague Station, Shymkent, Kazakhstan

10.22124/cjes.2026.9496

Abstract

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a life-threatening tick-borne viral infection that poses a persistent threat to public health in Kazakhstan. This study presents an in-depth descriptive epidemiological analysis of confirmed CCHF cases in the Turkestan region from May 2023 to August 2024. We performed a retrospective analysis of 24 laboratory-confirmed cases (RT-PCR and ELISA IgM). Data were synthesized from national surveillance reports, focusing on clinical and demographic variables, as well as exposure pathways. The case fatality rate (CFR) was remarkably low at 4.1%. Predominance was observed in males (62.5%) and rural inhabitants (91.7%). Direct interaction with cattle was the primary occupational risk factor (54.1%). Notably, a peak in June (50%) coincided with the seasonal surge of Hyalomma ticks. Clinical manifestations were dominated by severe weakness (100%) and fever (75%), while 50% of patients exhibited thrombocytopenia.  In conclusion, the paradox of high severity (54.2% severe cases) yet low mortality suggests that early clinical intervention (mean 2.7 days to admission) is a decisive factor in survival. Strategic focus must shift toward cattle-management safety and rural health literacy to mitigate spillover events.

Keywords

References

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Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences
Volume 24, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 71-81

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