Europe: recent cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

New cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a tick-borne and life-threatening viral disease, have been reported in some EU/EEA countries. According to the ECDC – European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, there is an increasing risk of the spread of the disease in Europe. In 2022, 4 cases of CCHF were confirmed with 2 deaths, while in 2023 no cases were reported. In 2024, Spain recorded a death related to CCHF. The disease is transmitted mainly by the ticks Hyalomma marginatum and H. lusitanicum. Climate change could encourage their proliferation and spread of the disease. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, general malaise, and hemorrhagic symptoms in severe cases. The ECDC recommends precautions for outdoor workers and healthcare professionals to prevent exposure to the disease. There is currently no vaccine approved against CCHF for use in Europe.