The death toll from tick-borne infection Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has risen to seven since early 2021 and cases are three times higher than in previous years. The governate of Dhi Qar has reported the majority of both infections and deaths from among the endemic regions of the country’s rural south over the period; all confirmed cases occurred in people working in the livestock industry. The same ProMED CCHF alert reports that warmer weather in Tokat and Kelkit Valley in Turkey’s north has prompted doctors to warn that tick bites are a seasonal risk for people venturing into the countryside. While in Georgia, three people are receiving treatment for CCHF in a Tbilisi hospital. 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 disease, which has a fatality rate of 10-40%, is more common in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as countries south of the 50th parallel north. The majority of cases have occurred in people involved in the livestock industry, so infection is a low risk to most 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.