Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been confirmed in several residents of Turkistan region following a recent religious festival that involved the mass transport of animals. Relating to the same annual event, other CCHF reports have emerged over the past week from Pakistan and Afghanistan, and most infections were acquired through contact with infected animals, such as in unqualified animal husbandry or butchery. 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.