Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Bulgaria

05 Sep 2018

Eurosurveillance reports that a Greek man in was diagnosed with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) after returning home from working in a forested area in Blagoevgrad province, south-western Bulgaria at the end of May 2018. The patient became seriously ill but has since recovered following intensive hospital treatment.

Advice for Travellers

CCHF is found in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe/the Balkans and the Middle East. It is a low risk for the average traveller; it is spread by infected ticks from an animal reservoir such as cattle, sheep and goats. CCHF can also be transmitted by contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected animal or person. Avoidance of tick bites is essential in risk areas.

For further information see Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever.