Comment: This article about the tick-borne Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is from early May.


Cafe
© Image: No CreditThe UK Foreign Office has issued a warning after deadly virus that kills over a third of patients surges through Europe, including in Spain, where cases have been found.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a warning after a deadly virus that kills over a third of patients surges through Europe, including in Spain, where cases have been found

A deadly virus in Spain, which reportedly kills '40 per cent' of those infected, has sparked a UK Foreign Office warning as 17 symptoms have been identified. The surge of the lethal Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) across Europe, including cases in Spain, has raised alarms.

The Travel Health Pro website has advised travellers to be vigilant for signs of CCHF. A patient is currently hospitalised in serious but stable condition in Salamanca, Spain, according to the local Ministry of Health.

The ministry's statement read: "The patient remains admitted, stable in serious condition, at the Salamanca Hospital, where the protocolized epidemiological and care measures have been adopted. The confirmed case is an elderly man who is admitted to the Salamanca Hospital with a clinical picture compatible with CCHF."

"He has a tick bite and remains stable, although with the clinical severity that this pathology implies, with the isolation measures and protection of health professionals provided for these situations."

The World Health Organisation lists symptoms such as fever, muscle ache, dizziness, neck pain, backache, headache, sore eyes, light sensitivity, and nausea among the indicators of CCHF, reports Birmingham Live.

Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, a sore throat, sharp mood swings and confusion, sleepiness, depression and lassitude, a fast heart rate and enlarged lymph nodes have also been reported. Travel Health Pro advised: "Seek advice from your GP or NHS 111 if you think you, or anyone in your family has symptoms and may have been exposed to CCHF."

"Remember - tell your healthcare provider that you travelled abroad."

Those residing in or visiting areas where the disease is prevalent should take personal protective measures to avoid tick contact, including steering clear of areas abundant with ticks during their active periods.

The use of tick repellants and thorough checks of clothing and skin for ticks are also recommended.