A woman from the southern region of Samtskhe-Javakheti succumbed to Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever last month while health authorities have warned that the disease vector, adult Hyalomma spp. ticks, are found throughout the country. According to sources quoted by ProMED, ‘the seroprevalence in Georgia is approximately 2.8 percent’. Within the wider region, Turkey is the country most affected by CCHF.
Advice for travellers
CCHF virus is transmitted to people either directly by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and immediately after slaughter. The majority of cases have occurred in people involved in the livestock industry, so infection is a low risk to travellers. Read more about the virus.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.