A 74-year-old man in Spain has died after being bitten by a Hyalomma tick, which can transmit a dangerous virus.
A man from Spain has died of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) after being bitten by a giant Hyalomma tick. The 74-year-old was admitted to a hospital in Móstoles on July 19 with symptoms of fever and general malaise, as reported by CNN. The tick bite occurred in Buenasbodas, Toledo province. Despite intensive care in a Madrid hospital, he succumbed to organ failure a few days later.
Dangerous virus spreading in Spain
CCHF is a tick-borne disease caused by the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Virus (CCHFV). It is known for severe symptoms similar to Ebola, including significant blood loss. The virus is endemic in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, but not typically in Spain. Since 2013, CCHF has spread in Spain due to migratory birds. To date, Spain has recorded 13 cases and five deaths, mostly in the Extremadura region.
High mortality rate
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CCHF has a mortality rate of about 30%, with death usually occurring in the second week of illness. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, dizziness, neck pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Later stages may involve mood swings, confusion, drowsiness, and bleeding. There is no specific treatment for CCHF; care focuses on symptom relief. Health authorities advise caution outdoors, using protective clothing and insect repellent to prevent tick bites.
