Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in a middle Anatolian city: five years of experience.

We evaluated the epidemiological features and main risk factors of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Corum, where the disease is endemic, by retrospectively analysing the medical records of all patients diagnosed with CCHF over five years. Diagnosis was made by the detection of virus RNA via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or by demonstrating IgM antibody of CCHF virus with an ELISA blood test. Of 399 patients, 22 (5.5%) patients died but we could show that the rates of incidence and mortality have decreased over the years. Early referral to health facilities, increased awareness and experience of health personnel working in high-risk areas may well be the main factor.