What is Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and how did it come to Spain?

A study conducted by scientists from University of Zaragoza half of Catalonia can breathe easier after a tick invasion Hyalomma lusitanicum spreads throughout megalopolises Barcelona and Tarragona. This is one of the transmitting species. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus., which has already killed 5 people in Spain over the past 10 years. It was (and is) very alarming that ticks were multiplying at such a rate, but at least we now know that those who cause this plague do not carry any virus with them that is dangerous to humans.

Scientists from University of Zaragoza They found no Crimean Congo fever virus or any other virus of concern. This only applies to tick infestations in Catalonia. It is possible that the virus is carried by other arthropods of the same species in other places in the country. In fact, at the beginning of May this month in Salamanca, a man died from this disease after being bitten by a tick.

Now that climate change is causing more and more tick infestations, it is important to monitor them to check their risk of transmitting diseases. Typically, Lyme disease was the biggest problem, but other conditions that seemed much more distant didn’t seem to be going away. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a good example of this.

How did Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever come to Spain?

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever was first discovered in Spain in 2010 in ticks collected in Caceres. However, until 2016, no cases of the disease were identified in humans. It was diagnosed in Madridalthough contact with the tick occurred in Avila. Soon after, the doctor who treated the patient also became infected. These were the first cases of the disease in Western Europe to occur locally rather than during travel. It was clear that the virus was already rampant in Spain and precautions needed to be redoubled.

They have since been discovered 13 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fevermost of them in Castile and Leon. Among them were 5 deaths.

Climate change is causing a massive spread of ticks in Spain. They may be accompanied Virus and bacteria, which causes many diseases, including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. It is believed that it entered Spanish territory through migratory birds, and from there passed on to livestock and wild animals. Tick ​​infestations do not necessarily have to be associated with this pathogen. We have already seen this in Catalonia. However, they must be monitored to prevent the spread of the disease.

A disease with a high mortality rate

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever begins to manifest itself with symptoms such as fever, myalgia (Muscle pain)dizziness, neck pain and stiffness, lumbago, headache, eye irritation and photophobia. (hypersensitivity to light). Additionally, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and throat pain may occur initially, followed by sudden mood changes and confusion. After 2–4 days, other signs appear, such as drowsiness, depression and weakness. Abdominal pain may appear even in the right hypochondrium, with noticeable enlargement of the liver.

In some cases, tachycardia, lymphadenopathy (inflammation of the lymph nodes) and petechial rash (rash due to skin hemorrhages) on the internal mucous membranes and skin may also be observed. These petechiae may develop into larger lesions called ecchymoses and eventually other hemorrhagic phenomena.

The most severely ill patients experience rapid deterioration of their liver and kidneys and may die from these causes or from pulmonary failure. Mortality rate about 30%. It is clear that this is a serious disease that requires special attention.

There is no need to fear tick-borne plague in Catalonia

The tick-borne plague in Catalonia, as is usually the case in such cases, was analyzed at the University of Zaragoza. No virus of concern has been found, so the Catalans, although they continue to take precautions against ticksthey may be calmer.

This is common. Scientists collect ticks from different geographic regions and analyze them for pathogens. Moreover, it is usually analyze animal blood wild animals and livestock to check whether they are infected with any viruses or bacteria that ticks commonly carry. This is observed by analyzing their antibody profiles. If they are infected, they must have antibodies against these pathogens.

Attention should be paid to all ticks, even those not initially associated with these diseases. For example, the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is often associated with ticks from floor Gialomma. However, in a recent study carried out in Ponferrada, the virus was found in 10 out of 95 ticks analyzed, none of which belonged to this genus.

In any case, we leave all this to the scientists. We should avoid tick bites as much as possible, avoid walking in areas with a lot of grass, wear clothing that covers the entire body, and, of course, analyze our entire body upon returning from a trip out of town. In such situations, the best we can resort to is prevention.