Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Spain

On 18 June 2021 the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported two cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Spain in 2021.

Both cases were identified in the autonomous community of Castile and León. The first case was in Salamanca in April and the second was in León in June. Both cases have been linked to tick bites.

CCHF is a potentially fatal tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever.  It is found in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern/Southern Europe. CCHF is uncommon in Spain although a small number of cases have been identified in recent years. 

Advice for Travellers

CCHF is spread by ticks infected from an animal reservoir such as cattle, sheep and goats. It can also be transmitted by having contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected animal or person. 

CCHF is extremely rare in travellers. Those with an increased risk are those visiting an endemic region who may:

• have an increased likelihood of tick bites during activities such as hiking, camping in rural areas or visiting farms
• be involved in animal slaughter, for example during religious or cultural events
• be travelling for veterinary or medical work reasons

Travellers with an increased risk of infection should be aware of the disease and prevent transmission by:

• practicing tick bite avoidance measures when partaking in outdoor activities
• following appropriate infection control procedures if working in a health care setting
• wearing gloves and other protective clothing while handling animals or their tissues, notably during slaughtering, butchering and culling procedures

There is no vaccine available for use in the UK.

For further information see the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever page.