Crimean-Congo fever kills three in Oman

Since the beginning of the year, 9 people have been infected with Crimean-Congo fever and 3 have died in Oman, which is an increase from the 3 cases reported in the same time period in 2016.

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.