Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreak in Oman: Currently Emerging Situation and Mitigation Strategies

Introduction: Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) poses a significant health threat and is an acute, potentially fatal tick-borne disease. The disease is endemic in Oman, and is characterized by periods of increased case numbers, particularly linked to specific times of the year and high-risk activities. We review the epidemiology of CCHF in Oman and propose future strategies to address it. Methods: A retrospective descriptive epidemiological method was used to assess all confirmed national surveillance cases of CCHF reported in Oman between January 2017 and December 2024. Quantitative data were analyzed to generate frequencies, percentages, incidence, and case-fatality rates. Results: A total of 64 confirmed cases of CCHF were reported between 2017 and 2024. CCHF incidence fluctuated, peaking in 2019 (0.411 per 100,000 population) and reaching a low in 2021 (0.044 per 100,000 population), before rising again in 2024 (0.16 per 100,000 population). The overall case-fatality rate was 20.8%. There was a male predominance (87.5%), with 56% of the cases occurring in the 30–44 age group, and 65% of infections in 2022 linked to animal slaughter during Eid al-Adha. Conclusions: The rise in CCHF underscores specific preventive strategies, such as enhanced surveillance, utilization of personal protective equipment, regulation of slaughter practices, and public awareness initiatives during periods of elevated risk.