Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Senegal

07 Feb 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an outbreak of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF). As of 24 January 2025, there have been 2 cases (1 death) in the Kaffrine Department.

CCHF is a potentially fatal tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever that causes bleeding. It is spread by tick bites and is found in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern/Southern Europe.

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 an area where CCHF virus is present, you need to be aware of the disease and how to avoid 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.