Cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) had risen to 27 by mid-May and one death has been registered, with the most recent infections emerging from the north-central province of Sivas. In related news, CCHF cases have been recorded in Baidibek district in Turkmenistan’s Turkistan region and dozens of residents of Qyzylorda and Almaty regions in Kazakhstan have sought treatment for tick bites. 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 percent, 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.