Deadly Virus That Kills Third Of Patients Surges Through Europe – Is US Next?

MADRID, Spain – Holidaymakers have been warned to be on high alert after a severe illness, which kills around a third of people infected, has been detected in Spain. The Travel Health Pro website urged travelers to watch out for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF).

The disease is transmitted by bites from infected ticks or by direct contact with blood or tissues of infected ticks, people and livestock.

Symptoms come on suddenly and often include fever, muscle ache, dizziness, neck pain, backache, headache, sore eyes and sensitivity to light.

It can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in more severe cases, rapid kidney deterioration and even sudden liver failure.

According to the Spanish Castile and León Ministry of Health, the affected patient is in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

It said: “The patient remains admitted, stable in serious condition, at the Salamanca Hospital, where the protocolized epidemiological and care measures have been adopted.

“The confirmed case is an elderly man who is admitted to the Salamanca Hospital 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 measures and protection of health professionals provided for these situations.”

The Spanish health authority issued advice on how to take action to prevent catching CCHF.

According to the World Health Organisation, symptoms of CCHF include:

Travel Health Pro added: “Seek advice from your GP or NHS 111 if you think you, or anyone in your family has symptoms and may have been exposed to CCHF.

“Remember – tell your healthcare provider that you travelled abroad.”