Tick-Borne Hemorrhagic Fever on the Rise in Europe: Scientists Warn of Potential Spread
London, UK – With the recent heatwave scorching the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, scientists are raising concerns about the spread of the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus carried by ticks. This deadly disease, mostly found in warmer regions like the Balkans, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, may soon become prevalent throughout all of Europe due to climate change and warmer temperatures.
CCHF has been classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of its nine “priority diseases” – those that pose the greatest risks to public health. Scientists and health experts have been warning about its potential spread as warmer temperatures create a more favorable environment for ticks carrying the virus.
Last year, Spain reported cases of CCHF, dispelling any notion that the warnings are merely hypothetical. The nation’s first CCHF cases were reported in 2011 and 2016, with a fatal case occurring in 2016 after a man was bitten by a tick.
According to virologist Ali Mirazimi at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, ticks carrying the virus are gradually moving through Europe due to longer and drier summers caused by climate change.
Apart from Europe, recent cases of CCHF have also been reported in Iraq and Namibia, with Pakistan experiencing two fatal cases. Iraq witnessed a surge in CCHF cases last year, with 212 incidents documented between January and May alone. This year, there have been already 100 cases reported, with 13 resulting in fatalities.
So, what exactly is CCHF? It is caused by the Nairovirus, a member of the Bunyaviridae family of viruses that is transmitted by ticks. The disease is characterized by high fever, severe viral hemorrhagic fevers, headaches, back and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, sensory perceptions, mood swings, and jaundice in severe cases. The virus has a fatality rate of 10 to 40%.
Humans can contract the virus through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissue. People at higher risk of contracting CCHF are those working in slaughterhouses or veterinarians who come into direct contact with infected animals. The incubation period in humans is 3-9 days, and transmission occurs through contact with infected individuals’ blood or bodily fluids. Those who succumb to the disease typically die in the second week, although recoveries are known to occur within the ninth or tenth day.
While there is currently no safe and effective widely available vaccine for human use, the antiviral medication ribavirin has shown success in treating CCHF. Inactivated vaccines are being sparingly used in eastern Europe.
To protect oneself from CCHF, it is recommended to take precautions to lower the risk of infection and prevent tick bites. This includes wearing long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing in tick-prone areas such as the countryside and grassy parks. Tick repellents, tick removal tools, and sprays are also available to prevent tick bites. It is important to handle ticks carefully to avoid leaving parts of their bodies inside the skin.
For individuals working with affected animals, wearing safety gear, including gloves and protective clothing, is advised.
As tick-borne diseases continue to become a global concern, authorities and individuals must remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent the spread of such life-threatening viruses.