Defeating a Rare Disease through Vigilance and Prompt Care at HCG Hospital, Ahmedabad
GUJARAT, AHMEDABAD | 09th JANUARY 2026 — HCG Hospital – Mithakhali, successfully treated a 54-year-old male, diabetic, hypertensive, and previous history of bypass surgery, suffering from Severe Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a rare but potentially fatal viral illness with limited treatment options.
The patient had been suffering from high grade fever, body ache, and severe weakness for about 10 to 12 days. He was first treated for around 2 to 3 days at another hospital with a misdiagnosed diagnosis of bacterial infection in urine and other organs. As his condition failed to improve, relatives brought him to HCG Hospital, Ahmedabad. Patient was admitted under the care of Dr. Binit Jhaveri-Head, Critical Care Medicine Department, for further management.
A comprehensive medical evaluation revealed resolving phase of fever, severe weakness, generalized body pain, abdominal discomfort, decreased oral intake, lethargy and gastrointestinal bleeding. Patient was suffering from Multi-Organ Failure, which required timely and accurate management. Ultrasound of Abdomen showed suspicion for severe infection in Kidney. The blood tests showed a further sharp drop in platelet count, severely worsening liver and kidney functions.These unusual laboratory and imaging findings with non-improving illness despite antibiotics along with his job profile when taken into consideration, did not match common illness patterns of bacterial and tropical viral fevers; raising suspicion of a rare and serious illness and prompting immediate focused investigations. Investigations for common and rarer causes of infective fever were sent which were negative.
Immediate discussion was initiated between doctors of Critical care (Dr Binit Jhaveri), Infectious disease (Dr. Chintan Kaswala), and Microbiologist (Dr Kairvi Modi) with discussion leading to provisional diagnosis of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever. Nephrologist (Dr Jay Shah), Cardiologist (Dr Bhupesh Shah), and Gastro physician (Dr Jignesh Patel) opinions were taken.
The patient was immediately shifted to the ICU, and management as per national guidelines under the guidance of Dr. Binit Jhaveri. Blood sample to detect the causative virus of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever was sent to National Institute of Virology, Pune on the same day. Patient’s blood sample was positive for Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF).
No antiviral therapy was administered during the stay, due to the patient’s pre-existing renal complications. Focus remained on intensive supportive care, including stabilization, organs support, management of bleeding and clotting abnormalities, and continuous monitoring of liver, kidney, cardiac, and respiratory functions. Initially patient continued to worsen, but over a period of 24-48 hours of supportive treatment, gradually patient showed signs of stabilisation. The patient’s clinical and laboratory parameters improved over next 2-3 days in ICU.
The virus is transmitted to humans through tick bites or direct contact with blood or body fluids of infected animals or infected patients. Occupational exposure through handling of livestock and animal tissues poses particular risk for veterinarians, livestock workers, and slaughterhouse employees.The clinical course of CCHF typically follows a biphasic pattern, with an initial febrile phase lasting 2-7 days followed by either recovery or progression to a haemorrhagic phase characterized by liver failure, bleeding manifestations and multiple organ involvement. CCHF outbreaks constitute a threat to public health because of its epidemic potential, its high case fatality ratio, its potential for nosocomial (hospital acquired) infection outbreaks and the difficulties in treatment and prevention. No specific FDA-approved vaccine is currently available for CCHF, making early diagnosis and supportive care paramount to patient survival.
With timely intensive care, the patient gradually improved, and patient was discharged in a stable condition after 7 to 8 days of hospitalisation.
Dr. Binit Jhaveri, Critical Care Medicine, HCG Hospitals Ahmedabad, said: “What made this case particularly challenging was the rapid progression of symptoms coupled with laboratory findings that did not fit the usual clinical patterns. Early suspicion, prompt diagnostic confirmation, and coordinated supportive care were critical in preventing complications and ensuring a successful outcome.”
The patient said: “I had been unwell for many days and my condition kept worsening despite taking treatment. When I was brought here, the doctors acted quickly to diagnose the rare cause of my illness and manage my illness with utmost care and support. They explained every step to my family, and ensure that the family never felt alone in the hospital. Their care and constant monitoring gave me a second chance at life from deadly disease, and I am deeply thankful to the entire team of HCG Hospitals, and to Dr. Binit Jhaveri.”
HCG Hospitals Ahmedabad has dedicated itself to providing quality healthcare services that restore patients’ health as holistically as possible. Established in 2007, this multispecialty hospital is built on the principles of compassion, caring, and community partnership. HCG Hospitals strives to elevate the quality of patient care by setting exceptional standards, implementing advanced treatment protocols, and ensuring both compassion and comfort while leveraging the latest technology in every aspect of patient care.
At HCG Hospitals,Centres of Excellence – Critical Care (ICU), Cardiac Sciences, Spine Surgery, Neurosciences, Bone & Joint Care, Emergency & Trauma, and Internal Medicine – reflect an unwavering commitment to quality healthcare. Every step is centredaround patient care and comfort, ensuring excellence in every experience.
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