Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in north central Turkey

17 May 2022

According to media (in Turkish) on 14 May 2021, a person has died of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in the town of Sivas, in the northern part of central Turkey. It is also reported that 3 people are currently being treated for CCHF in Tokat in the same part of the country. There have been 27 cases of CCHF in Turkey from 1 January 2022 to 16 May 2022.

CCHF is an infection spread by tick bites that can cause a severe viral illness accompanied by bleeding.  It is found in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern/Southern Europe.

Advice for Travellers 

CCHF is extremely rare in travellers. The risk is higher if you are travelling to an area where the infection occurs and will be:

• at increased risk of tick bites, for example whilst camping, hiking, visiting farms or animal sanctuaries
• involved in the care or slaughter of animals
• a healthcare worker who may be exposed to infected patients

If you are travelling to a high risk area, you need to be aware of the disease and how to prevent becoming infected by:

• avoiding tick-bites
• following appropriate infection control procedures if you are working in a health care setting
• wearing gloves and other protective clothing if you are involved in the care or slaughter of animals.

There is no vaccine available for use against CCHF in the UK.

See the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever page for further information.