Seroprevalence study in the DRC (2017–2019) assessed CCHFV exposure in humans and domestic ruminants using an in-house nucleoprotein ELISA on archived sera from 25 provinces. The human seroprevalence was 4.4% (55/1,239; 95% CI 3.4–5.7).
In humans, seropositivity rose with age, notably in 20–29 and >50 year groups; urban residence and rainy season showed no strong positive association. Location factors suggested higher odds in tropical monsoon climates and in grassy or mountain savanna vegetation, with elevation >600 m linked to increased seropositivity.
In animals, overall seroprevalence was 28.9% (322/1,114). Cattle had markedly higher seroprevalence (42.8%) than goats and sheep, and cattle were nearly 9 times more likely to be seropositive than other species (aOR 8.7; 95% CI 2.3–32.9).
Animal seropositivity tended to increase with age and was higher in areas of tropical monsoon climate, mountain savanna vegetation, and elevations >800 m. Cross-reactivity testing against Nairobi sheep disease virus indicated CCHFV antibodies were largely specific.
Limitations include use of archived samples and ELISA targeting CCHFV N protein, with potential cross-reactivity caveats acknowledged.
CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal published a clinical update in Infectious Disease on 30 Mar 2026.
The item focuses on Seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Infection in Humans and Domestic Ruminants, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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