The Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources has issued warnings to both nationals and expats on the risk of contracting Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) from infected ticks when dealing with animals. ProMED notes that CCHF cases have been rising over the past few years and ‘serosurveys have suggested widespread infection of humans and livestock throughout the country’. In Oman, infections are most commonly reported in men who work as butchers or in animal husbandry.
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.