Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Portugal

Health authorities have reported the first case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever ever detected in Portugal. The patient had no history of international travel. Epidemiological investigations are underway.

Advice

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever virus is generally transmitted from cattle and sheep to humans by exposure to infected animal blood or by bites from infected ticks. Removal of ticks from animals using unprotected hands is often a source of infection. The infection can also spread from person to person by infected blood. The risk of exposure for most travellers is low. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid tick bites, especially when in contact with cattle or other livestock in areas where this virus is common.