Almost half of all fatal Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) cases this year have been in the province of Kabul from a national total of 949 suspected infections across 14 provinces. A senior doctor with the health ministry’s zoonosis department has reminded residents to avoid tick bites and for those working with potentially infected meat products, to employ protective clothing and hygiene measures. 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.