Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Turkey (Corum)

06 Jul 2023

Media have reported two deaths due to Crimean Congo haemorrhagic (CCHF) fever in 2023. These deaths occurred in Çorum Province in the central Black Sea region of Turkey and were among 41 cases of CCHF reported in the area of which 22 had been hospitalised.

CCHF is an infection spread by tick bites that can cause a severe viral illness accompanied by bleeding.

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.