Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Mimicking HELLP Syndrome in a Pregnant Woman and Her Infant in Kosovo: A Case Report

Viruses. 2025 Jan 26;17(2):178. doi: 10.3390/v17020178.

Abstract

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is fatal in 10 to 40% of cases. It is caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV). Symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, and often hemorrhage and other complications. This report shows that CCHF may resemble HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets). We report CCHF in a pregnant mother with fever and suspected HELLP syndrome, who survived, and her infant (week 36), who died six days after C-section. The high CCHF viral load and bacterial sepsis may have jointly contributed to the death of the infant. CCHF should be considered as a differential diagnosis of HELLP syndrome in regions where this viral disease is endemic.

Keywords: CCHF; Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever; HELLP syndrome; Kosovo; pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • HELLP Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo* / genetics
  • Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo* / isolation & purification
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean* / diagnosis
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean* / virology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Kosovo
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / virology
  • Viral Load