A 74-year-old man in Spain has succumbed to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a rare but deadly disease transmitted through tick bites. The incident has raised alarm bells about the risk of a potential outbreak in the region.

The Incident

The man, who was admitted to a hospital in Madrid after being bitten by a tick in Toledo, Spain, died in an isolation unit after his condition rapidly deteriorated. Health authorities have confirmed that the cause of death was CCHF, a disease that has a fatality rate of up to 40%.

What is CCHF?

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected tick or contact with bodily fluids of infected animals or humans. It is endemic in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. CCHF is characterized by symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, abdominal pain, sore throat, and vomiting, followed by mood swings, confusion, sleepiness, and bleeding.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention is key when it comes to tick-borne diseases. People are advised to wear protective clothing, use insect repellents, and check for ticks after spending time outdoors. If a tick bite occurs, it is essential to remove the tick immediately and correctly. Treatment for CCHF typically involves general supportive care with treatment of symptoms, and the antiviral drug ribavirin has been used to treat the infection.

Risk of Outbreak

The detection of CCHF in ticks in France has raised concerns about the risk of an outbreak in the near future. CCHF is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of nine pathogens deemed most likely to trigger a pandemic. Health authorities are urging increased awareness and surveillance to prevent potential outbreaks.