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Outbreak of haemorrhagic fever kills three in Kosovo

Outbreak of haemorrhagic fever kills three in Kosovo

Kosovo's Department of Health and Social Welfare said today that 20 cases of suspected Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) had been reported in the province.

Three of those struck by the disease had died, according to the Department of Health -- which is part of the Joint Interim Administrative Structure set up by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

The Department recommended a series of preventive measures, such as wearing clothing that cover legs and arms, using tick repellents on skin and clothing, checking the whole body regularly for ticks, and removing ticks gently but promptly.

There have been regular cases and outbreaks of CCHF in Kosovo since 1986, the Department said. For example, between 1996 and 2000 there were 43 sporadic cases with six fatalities.