Adamu, Andrew Musa, Onoja, Anyebe Bernard, Ugbodu, Victoria Ehinor, Bala, Reuben Sylvester, Maina, Meshach, Salisu, Usman Shehu, Pewan, Shedrach Benjamin, David, Emmanuel, Malgwi, Arhyel, Adamu, Cornelius, Adeiza, Abdulrahman, Herbert, Megan, Horwood, Paul, and Adegboye, Oyelola (2024) Investigating Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus Seropositivity in Camels and Human Behavioural Risks in an Abattoir in Nigeria. Epidemiology and Infection, 152. e29.

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Abstract

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an emerging viral pathogen with pandemic potential that is often misdiagnosed. Case fatality in low resource settings could be up to 40% due to close contact between animals and humans. A two-year cross-sectional study was conducted in Fagge abattoir Kano State, Nigeria to estimate the seropositivity of CCHFV in camels using a commercial multi-species competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A closed-ended questionnaire was administered to the abattoir workers to assess their awareness, mitigation and behavioural practices associated with CCHF. Of the 184 camels tested, 179 (97%) were seropositive for CCHFV (95% CI: 93.77, 99.11). The respondents median (IQR) age was 41 (35 – 52), with 62 % having no education. Respondents had little knowledge about CCHFV and the concept of zoonotic disease. In this study, the high estimated prevalence of antibodies to CCHFV in camels highlights the heightened risk of transmission of CCHFV in Nigeria. Similarly, a concerning lack of knowledge and inadequate preventive practices, alongside a prevalence of high-risk behaviors associated with CCHF among abattoir workers, were noted in this study. Thus, there is an urgent need for comprehensive public health education and collaborative One Health strategies to avert the threats of spillover events.

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