Spain: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) case confirmed in Salamanca
The Castile and León Regional Government, through the General Directorate of Public Health and its Epidemiology Service, has confirmed a case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) following analysis conducted by the National Microbiology Center of the Carlos III Health Institute.
The confirmed case is a 70-year-old man who is admitted to the Hospital de Salamanca with a clinical picture compatible with CCHF. He has a tick bite and remains stable, although with the clinical severity that this pathology implies, with the isolation and protection measures of healthcare professionals provided for these situations.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever 101
The Epidemiology Section of the Territorial Health Service of the Regional Government of Castile and León in the province of Salamanca, in collaboration with healthcare professionals at the Hospital of Salamanca, has identified the contacts of the affected person to inform them of the follow-up measures to be taken. The protocol consists of periodically monitoring their body temperature and informing their epidemiologist of any changes in their health status.
The Castile and León Regional Government's health portal provides information for citizens and healthcare professionals on both the prevention of tick bites and the diseases they are potential vectors of transmission. Specifically, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: tick-borne diseases, for the general public (General information for citizens on the prevention of tick-borne diseases); and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, for healthcare professionals (Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF): information for healthcare professionals).
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is caused by a virus primarily transmitted through the bite of a Hyalomma tick. However, it can also be transmitted from person to person through contact with the patient's blood or body fluids, which can occur particularly among healthcare workers when they are not properly protected.
Regarding the prevention of tick bites, health authorities emphasize the importance of wearing appropriate clothing and footwear when outings in the countryside, as well as walking on trails and using repellent for both people and pets. They must also emphasize that any ticks that may have attached themselves must be removed as soon as possible and properly, preferably by healthcare professionals.