Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in eastern Turkey

01 May 2024

According to media quoting Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine, this year's warm spring has led to an early appearance of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCFH) in Turkey.

Around 80 cases of CCHF have been reported this year from areas in central Anatolia including Corum, Yozgat, Tokat and Sivas, Giresun, Gumushane, Erzincan, Samsun and Erzurum.

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 an area where CCHF virus is present, you need to be aware of the disease and how to avoid 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.