Traveling to Africa is an experience many international travelers only dream of.

When choosing an African destination, the international travel would be prudent to

determine what, if any, significant epidemics or outbreaks the African region may be
experiencing. One such region, the Congo, has experienced an outbreak of a health
ailment known as the highly infectious Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
Understanding the risks of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, in additional to this
African based diseaese's symptoms and treatment options, will ensure a more
pleasant African vacation experience for all international travelers.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, also known as CCHF, is one of many tick borne
illnesses common to the continent of Africa. With a 30 percent death rate, CCHF is
not an tick borne disease to be taken lightly when traveling ot Africa. The virus
associated with CCHF attacks the bone marrow and blood vessels and, because of
this, when Crimean-Congo hermorrhagic fever symptoms first present, CCHF
sufferers would be well advised to seek treatment immediately, including the use of
antiviral and possible hospital admission.

When suffering from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, the symptoms of this tick
borne disease will commonly exhibit as that similar to the flu. Symptoms of CCHF
may include muscle aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and fever. When untreated,
the CCHF symptoms will worsen and spread into hemorrhaging of the blood vessels
in and around the organs, eyes, bleeding of the gums and even a hemorrhaging
affect present on the skin so as to appear as if a rash is present.

Because of the significant risk of death, associated with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic

fever, the CCHF sufferer should monitor his own recovery through relief of
symptoms. Often, with treatment, recovery from CCHF will occur in approximately
nine to 10 days.

Preventing an infection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is the first line of

defense when vacationing and traveling to Congo, Africa. Because CCHF is a highly
contagious tick borne illness, African vacationers can not only acquire disease
through tick bites but also through consumption of infected meats. For this reason,
visitors to Africa should avoid consumption of meat from livestock which may have
been at risk for infection in addition to ensuring proper personal protection while in
Congo, Africa. Such protection might include wearing long sleeved clothing that is
light in color and using tick repellent products which include a chemical considered
fatal to ticks called DEET.

As with any international traveling experience, the vacation should be well planned
including considerations for healthcare in the event of an international emergency.
While traveling to Congo, Africa, should the onset of flu like symptoms begin, seek
medical attention immediately. In doing so, the international traveler may avert
common tick borne illnesses include commonly fatal condition known as Crimean-
Congo hemorrhagic fever.