KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over a growing number of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) cases in Afghanistan, warning that the outbreak is putting many communities at serious risk.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) today, June 5, WHO urged Afghan citizens to stay informed and take preventive measures to protect themselves and their communities.
CCHF is a severe viral disease transmitted to humans through bites from infected hard ticks or direct contact with the blood or meat of infected animals, particularly during or after slaughter. The disease typically sees a surge in Afghanistan around Eid al-Adha due to the increased movement and sacrifice of livestock.
While updated figures have not been released, WHO’s most recent data indicates 259 suspected cases and 16 related deaths recorded in Afghanistan from the beginning of 2025 through mid-May.
Symptoms of CCHF include high fever, headache, back and joint pain, stomach pain, and vomiting. The virus can also cause internal bleeding and, in severe cases, death.
The WHO has recommended that people working with animals, including farmers and slaughterhouse workers, use insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing, and wear gloves and other protective gear when handling animals. They also urge the public to avoid contact with blood and bodily fluids of potentially infected animals or people and to practice strict hygiene and infection control measures.
Concerns over the outbreak are heightened by the lack of a vaccine or specific treatment for CCHF, as well as Afghanistan’s limited public health infrastructure to prevent, detect, and contain the disease.
