Ecological and Social Drivers of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Risk in North East Nigeria

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is an increasingly detected viral zoonosis in Nigeria linked to tick exposure in livestock-dependent communities. This study investigated the ecological and social drivers of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever risk in Borno and Adamawa States, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional design combined serological surveys, ecological assessments, and community-level social surveys. Serum samples from 150 residents with occupational livestock exposure were tested for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tick species composition and abundance were assessed on 100 cattle. Structured questionnaires with 200 community members evaluated tick exposure behaviors, healthcare-seeking patterns, and disease awareness. Seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever IgG was 12.7% overall, rising to 26.3% among abattoir workers. Hyalomma species were the dominant tick genus identified, and infestation rates on cattle exceeded 80%. Social drivers included reluctance to wear protective gear during slaughter and tick removal with bare hands. Healthcare-seeking delay exceeded three days in 64% of self-reported febrile cases. Awareness of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever was absent in 94% of respondents. The study concludes that Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever risk in North East Nigeria is driven by ecological tick abundance and social behavioral practices. Targeted community education, mandatory personal protective equipment at slaughter facilities, and tick control programs for livestock are recommended. Keywords: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, tick-borne zoonosis, North East Nigeria, seroprevalence, community risk