Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Spain (Castile and Leon) - Update 1
19 Aug 2022
On 5 August 2022, the Spanish Ministry of Health reported this year's second case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Castile and León.
The case was a man in the Bierzo area who died of an unknown illness on 19 June 2022. The cause of his death was not identified until 20 July 2022.
CCHF is an infection spread by tick bites that can cause a severe viral illness accompanied by bleeding. It is found in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern/Southern Europe.
CCHF is uncommon in Spain. A small number of cases has been recorded each summer 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.