A new case of Crimean-Congo fever has been confirmed in Spain: Are we prepared?

Crimean-Congo fever has reappeared in Spain. The Castile and León Regional Government has confirmed a new case in 2025: a 70-year-old man is admitted to Salamanca Hospital after being bitten by a Hyalomma tick. Although his condition is stable, he is experiencing severe symptoms, and special protocols have been activated to protect both the patient and healthcare personnel.

Rare but potentially fatal, Crimean-Congo fever is a viral disease that, to date, represents the only endemic hemorrhagic fever in the Iberian Peninsula. It can cause high fever, severe pain, and, in some cases, internal bleeding. The mortality rate can reach 40%. It is primarily infected by the bite of infected ticks , but it can also be transmitted through direct contact with the blood or fluids of a sick person or animal. There is no specific treatment or approved vaccine to date.

Crimean-Congo fever is classified as a notifiable disease (NDD) in Spain because it represents a serious risk to public health: it is rare, can cause outbreaks with high mortality, and requires a rapid response to prevent its spread. Therefore, any suspected or confirmed case must be reported immediately to the health authorities .

A known and increasingly monitored risk

We already warned last year of the growing risk of this virus establishing itself in Spain . One of the main reasons is the arrival of infected ticks via migratory birds from Africa, which can release these parasites in areas of the southern and central Iberian Peninsula. Added to this is climate change , which favors the survival of these insects in our environment.

This case is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a trend that concerns epidemiologists. Therefore, each new case represents an opportunity to improve surveillance, inform the public, and prepare the health system for potential outbreaks.

How to prevent Crimean-Congo fever

The risk of infection is highest between April and October , when tick activity is most intense. Therefore, health authorities recommend taking precautions, especially if you're traveling to the countryside or areas with tall vegetation, pastures, or livestock:

• Wear clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Apply tick repellent to your skin and clothing.
• When you return from the field, check your body thoroughly, especially your groin, armpits, and scalp.
• If you find a tick attached, don't just pull it off; go to a health center to have it safely removed.

Detecting the disease early is essential to receiving supportive treatment and preventing further infections.

This new case reminds us once again that Crimean-Congo fever is no longer just an "exotic" disease. It's here, in our midst, and requires preventive measures , clear information, and a rapid response.

If you're planning to travel to rural, tropical, or areas with a risk of tick bites , it's essential to do your research before you leave . At consultadelviajero.com , you can resolve your questions, learn about health risks by destination, and access up-to-date recommendations. Prevention begins with good planning .

Manuel Gil Mosquera holds a degree in Medicine from the University of Madrid (UCM), specializes in Family and Community Medicine, and has a master's degree in Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases, Infection Control (PROA), and Emergencies. He currently works as a hospital emergency physician, is part of SEMES (Spanish Medical Service), and is a member of the consultadelviajero.com team.