A septuagenarian recently died of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever after being bitten by a “giant tick” in Spain.
- In Spain, a 74-year-old man died after contracting Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) on Saturday 27 July.
- The virus, “similar to Ebola” according to the American channel CNN, is transmitted by the bite of a “giant tick”. This is the second death linked to this disease in Spain since the beginning of the year.
- The “giant tick”, recognizable by its size and striped legs, has been present in metropolitan France since 2015.
In Spain, a 74-year-old man died after contracting Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) on Saturday 27 July. The virus, “similar to Ebola” according to the American channel CNNis transmitted by the bite of a “giant tick”, present in metropolitan France since 2015. This is the second death linked to this disease in Spain since the beginning of the year.
Hospitalized with high fever and feeling unwell
The man died of organ failure while in an isolation unit at Madrid’s La Paz-Carlos III hospital, a hospital spokesperson told CNN. The septuagenarian had checked into the hospital a few days before his death, complaining of a sudden fever and “general feeling of unease”He is believed to have been bitten by a striped-legged tick, known as a “giant tick”, a few days earlier in Buenasbodas, central Spain.
The case was judged “worrying” by Emma Thomson, professor of hygiene and tropical medicine, interviewed by CNN. “I expect we will have more cases in the coming years. There is also a risk of spread to other European countries.”
Giant ticks already present in France
Last May, Public Health France had already sounded the alarm against the risk of infection, which can cause fever, chills, digestive problems and, in rare cases, hemorrhages that can lead to death. The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus was detected for the first time in October 2023 in ticks found on cattle. However, no human cases have been diagnosed in France to date.
Twice as large as standard ticks, “giant ticks” are recognizable by their size and striped legs. Preferring dry areas, they often hide in hiking trails, fields, vineyards, etc. Their presence is attested in particular in Corsica, in the Pyrénées-Orientales and the Var. In these areas, even in summer, it is recommended to wear clothing that covers the legs and arms, as well as closed shoes. It is also advisable to have a tick remover, available in pharmacies, in order to remove the insect in the event of a bite.