Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Preparedness at Guinea's Cross-Border Human–Animal Interface: Evidence from High-Risk Communities and Tick Surveillance in Koundara
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background and Objective Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease transmitted primarily through infected ticks or contact with infected animal tissues. In Koundara, a prefecture in northern Guinea bordering Senegal, livestock-related activities create opportunities for human–animal contact. This study aimed to assess community knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP), document tick species collected from livestock, and identify priorities for integrated One Health preparedness. Methods A cross-sectional KAP survey was conducted in May 2024 among 993 consenting participants aged 15 years and older across four sites: Guingan (n=249), Kamaby (n=248), Termessé (n=250), and Youkounkoun (n=246). Trained field teams administered a standardized questionnaire. Veterinary teams also collected ticks from livestock across five collection sites. A total of 423 ticks were identified morphologically. Results Among the 423 ticks identified, Amblyomma variegatum was the predominant species (84.40%), followed by Rhipicephalus microplus (6.38%), Hyalomma truncatum (5.44%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (3.31%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.47%). Approximately 48% of survey participants reported consulting a health facility as their first recourse for zoonotic illness. Among respondents who had previously heard of CCHF, 31.6% had Quranic education, 49% were livestock keepers, and 4.3% were human-health workers. Discussion and Limitations The findings document the presence of multiple tick species and variation in community awareness and care-seeking practices. However, morphological tick identification does not establish CCHF virus infection. Viral RNA testing was pending at the time of reporting. The targeted cross-sectional sample, absence of human biological sampling, incomplete animal specimen collection, and underrepresentation of abattoir workers limit the interpretation and generalizability of the findings. Conclusion This assessment provides community and entomological baseline information relevant to CCHF preparedness in the Guinea–Senegal border area. The findings support priorities for locally adapted risk communication, training of human-health and veterinary personnel, sustained tick surveillance, and coordinated One Health preparedness. They do not constitute evidence of confirmed CCHF cases or local viral circulation. Conference: Geneva Health Forum 2026. Resource type: Scientific poster.
Institution: Georgetown University
Language: English
Topic: Viral Infections and Vectors
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225009430