Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever has already killed six people this year and the risk of infection is likely to increase in urban areas as (potentially tick-infested) livestock are brought in from the countryside ahead of the Eid al-Adha religious holiday (celebrated this year in the third week of August). Health authorities are promoting public awareness messages on preventing CCHF transmission. Read more
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.