Ticks carrying Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever found in Spain

The Ministry of Health has reported that ticks infected by the virus that causes Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever were found in several areas of Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Castilla y León. The risk of exposure for travellers, however, remains extremely low since only a small percentage of the examined ticks carried this virus.

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. The infection can also spread from person to person by infected blood.

While the risk of exposure for most travellers is very low in Spain, travellers engaging in outdoor activities such as camping and hiking may be exposed to ticks. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid tick bites. Checking for and prompt removal of ticks after outdoor activities will reduce risk even further.