Central Idea

Europe is currently experiencing a heatwave and wildfires, leading to concerns about the spread of viruses that are typically not found in colder climates.
The WHO has issued an alert regarding the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a potentially fatal infection transmitted by ticks.

What is CCHF?

CCHF is a viral haemorrhagic fever primarily transmitted by ticks.
It can also be contracted through contact with viraemic animal tissues during animal slaughter.
CCHF outbreaks can lead to epidemics with a high case-fatality ratio (10-40%) and pose challenges for prevention and treatment.

The virus exists in the tick family of insects.
Animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and hares serve as amplifying hosts for the virus.
Humans can contract CCHF through contact with infected ticks or animal blood.
The virus can also be transmitted between humans through contact with infectious blood or body fluids.
Migratory birds can host ticks, allowing the virus to spread over long distances.

Common symptoms of CCHF include fever, muscle aches, dizziness, neck and back pain, headache, sore eyes, and sensitivity to light.
Early symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sore throat, followed by mood swings and confusion.
Later stages may involve sleepiness, depression, and lassitude.
There is no vaccine available for CCHF in humans or animals, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
The antiviral drug ribavirin has been used to treat CCHF infection with some apparent benefit.

CCHF is endemic to Africa, the Balkan countries, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
In 2016, Spain reported the first fatality from CCHF in Europe.
Scientists warn that CCHF, which can have a fatality rate between 10% and 40%, is spreading northward and westward in Europe.
Cases of CCHF have been reported in Spain, Russia, Turkey, and the UK.

Disrupted temperature patterns due to climate change are creating favorable conditions for pathogens.
CCHF ticks are moving northward through Europe due to longer and drier summers caused by climate change.
Climate change contributes to the spread of diseases by expanding tick habitats, altering water habitats, and facilitating the movement of animals and human interactions.