Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in France: Pyrenees Orientales
25 Oct 2023
Public health authorities in France have detected Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus in ticks in the Pyrénées Orientales department bordering north-east Spain. This the first time CCHF virus has been detected in France. To date, there have been no human cases in the area but avoiding tick bites is strongly recommended.
CCHF is an infection spread by tick bites that can cause a severe viral illness accompanied by bleeding.
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.