For the first time, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) -- a deadly tick-borne virus that kills up to 30% of those infected -- has been detected spreading locally in western Europe. Two cases have been confirmed in Spain, both acquired through local tick bites rather than travel to endemic regions. CCHF is spread by Hyalomma ticks and causes severe fever, bleeding, and organ failure. There is no licensed vaccine and treatment is limited to supportive care. The virus is endemic in parts of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Balkans, but has never before been locally transmitted in western Europe. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely and warning travellers to take precautions against tick bites in affected areas.
Deadly Tick-Borne Virus Detected Spreading Locally in Western Europe for the First Time
Two people in Spain have been infected with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) through local tick bites -- marking the first known cases of local transmission of this deadly virus in western Europe. CCHF kills up to 30% of infected people and has no licensed vaccine.
Key Takeaways
- Two people in Spain have been infected with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) through local tick bites -- marking the first known cases of local transmission of this deadly virus in western Europe.
- CCHF kills up to 30% of infected people and has no licensed vaccine.
AI synthesis4 sources3
