CCHF 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 during 2021. Both cases were identified in the autonomous community of Castile and León, the first in Salamanca in April, and the second in León in June. Both cases have been linked to tick bites.

CCHF is uncommon in Spain although a small number of cases have been identified in recent years.

Advice for travellers

CCHF is a viral haemorrhagic fever found in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe (the Balkans) and the Middle East, which generally presents a low risk to the average traveller. CCHF is spread by infected ticks from an animal reservoir such as cattle, sheep and goats, and can also be transmitted by contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected animal or person. Avoidance of tick bites is essential in risk areas.

Further information on CCHF can be found on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 21 June 2021