This viral disease, transmitted by ticks and infected animals, has sparked fear due to its severity and rapid spread. Although Crimean Congo fever has been present in certain regions of the world for decades, its recent expansion into new geographic areas has raised concerns among specialists.
Health experts in the United Kingdom have drawn attention to the virus responsible for Congo Crimean fever and warn that this disease could become a serious threat to the population. With cases reported in European countries such as Spain and with deaths in areas of Africa and the Middle East, an urgent health alert has been issued.
Climate change may accelerate spread
There are concerns that climate change could accelerate the spread of this disease, increasing the risk of spreading it to the UK via ticks. James Wood, head of veterinary medicine at the University of Cambridge, has expressed concern about this and stressed the need to prepare for this potential threat to public health.
Cases detected in Spain
During the year 2022, cases of Crimean Congo fever have been reported in Spain, specifically in the El Bierzo region of the province of León. The Ministry of Health has confirmed the presence of two new cases, one of which was fatal. In 2021, a case of the disease was also diagnosed in a woman.
According to a report by ‘Europa Press’ in 2022, the risk of transmission of Crimean Congo fever in the El Bierzo region, as in other areas where the virus is circulating in ticks and animals or where human cases have been reported, is considered moderate, especially among people who have high exposure to tick bites. For the rest of Spain, the risk is considered “low”.
Since 2013 to 2022, a total of 12 cases of this disease have been confirmed in Spain, 4 of which were fatal. These cases are distributed as follows: 1 in 2013 in Ávila, 2 in 2016 (one in Ávila and one with a medical worker), 2 in 2018 in Badajoz and Salamanca, 3 in 2020 in Salamanca, 2 in 2021 in Salamanca and León (El Bierzo region) and the 2 cases registered in El Bierzo during the year 2022.
Symptoms of the Crimean Congo fever
It is a disease caused by the virus of the same name. The main route of infection in humans is through tick bites, but it can also be transmitted through direct contact with blood or body fluids from infected animals and people who have the disease. The disease is endemic in areas of Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and Asia, and is currently considered an emerging disease in some European countries.
The first symptoms of Crimean Congo fever are usually high fever, headache, muscle pain and dizziness. Diarrhea, redness of the face, neck and chest, eye congestion and conjunctivitis may also occur. After 2 to 4 days, the hemorrhagic phase begins, in which small red spots on the skin, larger bruises on the skin and mucous membranes, as well as bleeding on different parts of the body, such as the nose, digestive system, uterus, urinary tract or respiratory system, may occur. In addition, liver and kidney failure can also develop.
Essential to avoid tick bites
Given the seriousness of the disease and the possible consequences for public health, health authorities are calling for alertness and preventive measures. It is essential to avoid tick bites and to take precautions in contact with potentially infected animals.
Individuals living in areas where the disease is prevalent are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to ticks, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents.
2023-07-24 20:32:44
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