Descriptive epidemiology of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Cases in the Southern Region of Kazakhstan in 2023-2024

Background : Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a life-threatening tick-borne viral infection that poses a persistent threat to public health in Kazakhstan. This study provides an in-depth descriptive epidemiological evaluation of confirmed CCHF occurrences in the Turkestan region from May 2023 to August 2024. Methods : We performed a retrospective analysis of 24 laboratory-confirmed cases (RT-PCR and ELISA IgM). Data were synthesized from national surveillance reports, focusing on clinico-demographic variables and exposure pathways. Results : The case fatality rate (CFR) was remarkably low at 4.1%. Predominance was observed in males (62.5%) and rural inhabitants (91.7%). Direct interaction with cattle was the primary occupational risk factor (54.1%). Notably, a peak in June (50%) coincided with the seasonal surge of Hyalomma ticks. Clinical manifestations were dominated by severe weakness (100%) and fever (75%), while 50% of patients exhibited thrombocytopenia. Conclusion : The paradox of high severity (54.2% severe cases) yet low mortality suggests that early clinical intervention (mean 2.7 days to admission) is a decisive factor in survival. Strategic focus must shift toward cattle-management safety and rural health literacy to mitigate spillover events.