Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Spain
21 Jun 2021
On 18 June 2021 the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported two cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Spain in 2021.
Both cases were identified in the region of Castile and León. The first case was in Salamanca in April 2021 and the second was in León in June 2021. Both cases have been linked to tick bites.
CCHF is an infection spread by tick bites that can cause a severe viral illness accompanied by bleeding. It is uncommon in Spain although a small number of cases have been identified in recent years.
Advice for Travellers
CCHF is extremely rare in travellers. The risk is higher if you are travelling to an area where the infection occurs and will be:
- at increased risk of tick bites, for example whilst camping, hiking, visiting farms or animal sanctuaries
- involved in the care or slaughter of animals
- a healthcare worker who may be exposed to infected patients
If you are travelling to a high risk area, you need to be aware of the disease and how to prevent becoming infected by:
- avoiding tick-bites
- following appropriate infection control procedures if you are working in a health care setting
- wearing gloves and other protective clothing if you are involved in the care or slaughter of animals.
There is no vaccine available for use against CCHF in the UK.
See the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever page for further information.