Eastern Iowan Dead from West African Virus

Deadly disease is second case in the United States

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On Friday, federal health officials announced that a Johnson County man has died after contracting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, a rare and deadly disease spread by ticks found in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is only the second case of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever ever reported in the United States, with the first case reported in 2017.

The Johnson County man, who was not identified by officials, was admitted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on August 16th with symptoms including fever, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. He died on August 25th. The man had recently traveled to Senegal, where he is believed to have been bitten by an infected tick. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause severe bleeding and organ failure. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected tick, and can also be spread through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person or animal.

The CDC is investigating the case and is working to identify any close contacts of the man who may have been exposed to the virus. The agency is also recommending that healthcare providers be aware of the symptoms of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and consider testing patients who have recently traveled to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Europe.

The Iowa Department of Public Health is also investigating the case and is working to ensure that there is no risk to the public. The agency is recommending that Iowans take steps to prevent tick bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after spending time in wooded areas.