Spanish man dies from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
A 74-year-old man in Spain has died after contracting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a lethal viral disease with a fatality rate of up to 40%. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, passed away on Saturday after being hospitalized near Madrid, according to Metro.
Infection and hospitalization
The victim was admitted to Rey Juan Carlos University Hospital in Mostoles, Spain, after being bitten by a tick in Toledo, approximately 100 miles southwest of Madrid. Upon diagnosis with the rare CCHF virus, he was transferred to a high-dependency isolation unit at La Paz University Hospital in Madrid to prevent transmission. Initially, his condition was stable, but it deteriorated as he developed the full range of CCHF symptoms. He died on Saturday, marking Spain’s first CCHF-related death since May 2020.
Health authorities on high alert
Health authorities are likely on high alert to prevent further cases and contain the spread of this dangerous virus.
What is Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
CCHF is a tickborne disease known for its severe hemorrhagic symptoms, often described as ‘Ebola-like’. The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized it as a “priority disease,” noting its potential to trigger a pandemic. CCHF is endemic in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
Transmission and symptoms
CCHF is primarily transmitted through tick bites or contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals or humans. Initial symptoms include fever, muscle aches, abdominal pain, sore throat, and vomiting. The virus can also cause mood swings, confusion, sleepiness, and bleeding, often from the nose or broken capillaries in the eyes and skin.
Treatment and prevention
According to WHO, general supportive care and symptom management are the main approaches to treating CCHF. The antiviral drug ribavirin has shown apparent benefit in treating the infection. To prevent tick-borne diseases, people are advised to wear protective clothing, use insect repellents, and check for ticks after spending time outdoors.
This incident underscores the critical need for awareness and preventative measures against tickborne diseases, particularly in regions where such illnesses are endemic.