The health minister of the NW region of Castile and León has cautioned anyone planning a visit to local forests to avoid tick bites following the confirmation of a case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Salamanca. The man was said to be in a critical condition and several contacts are being monitored. The viral tick-borne infection was first identified in Spain 10 years ago in Extramadura, another western region bordering Portugal, but cases have been limited. 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.