Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: Reducing an Emerging Health Threat in Tanzania

Together, the Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency, EcoHealth Alliance, University of Glasgow, Washington State University, Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Coordination Desk - Prime Minister’s Office, Global Animal Health Tanzania and England have established a multi-disciplinary team of scientists to investigate the epidemiology and ecology of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) amongst people, cattle, small wild mammals, buffalo and ticks in Tanzania using a One Health approach. The objectives of the project are to:

1) Investigate the CCHFV seroprevalence in animals and humans, abundance of CCHFV vectors, and CCHFV prevalence across a gradient of environmental disturbance. 2) Characterize the exposure, risk factors and incidence of CCHFV in human populations. 3) Identify environmental factors associated with higher levels of CCHFV seroprevalence, incidence, and presence as well as with higher abundance of CCHFV vectors. 4) Develop policy recommendations to reduce the risk of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) epidemics in Tanzania.

CCHF is known to occur across , parts of Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia, where the primary vector reservoir, Hyalomma spp. of tick, is present. Although the Hyalomma spp. of ticks exists in Tanzania and historical CCHFV serological surveys in livestock suggest the virus is present, CCHFV has not been well studied in the country. To address this we will use a One Health approach to conduct simultaneous serological surveys of people, cattle and small mammals in northern Tanzania (between Arusha and the Serengeti National Park). We will also collect, identify and test ticks for CCHFV throughout this study area. To get a more accurate understanding of rates in people, we will conduct a follow-up survey approximately one year later to estimate the incidence of CCHFV exposure. Finally, we will identify environmental risk factors that are associated with the CCHFV seroprevalence and prevalence patterns that we identified.

Throughout the project, we will support the training of laboratory technicians to test for CCHFV at regional and national human and veterinary laboratories. The project will also support post-graduate students training, host training workshops and assist in training the next generation of the One Health workforce. Finally, we plan to host a CCHF symposium for East Africa to bring together regional researchers working to prevent CCHF outbreaks. We look forward to working with you on this project and to seeing you at future Stakeholders’ Meetings!