Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus as a Nosocomial Pathogen in Iran

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral disease with several different modes of transmission. We describe the manifestations, outcome, and likely modes of transmission for three nosocomial cases. All three cases were healthcare workers (two men and one woman). They had fever, myalgia, and petechia. Disseminated intravascular coagulation resulted in the death occurred in the woman. Because this disease is manifested with non-specific influenza-like symptoms, diagnosis can be difficult. Data for these patients can be used to investigate airborne or sexual transmission of this virus, although neither route was substantiated for these patients. Use of universal precautions and early case detection are the most helpful strategy for preventing nosocomial transmission of CCHF.