Spain Confirms First Cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in W. Europe

Madrid — Spain confirmed on Thursday the first two cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Western Europe, the Community of Madrid reported.

The two cases are a 62-year old man who died in Aug. 25 at the Hospital Gregorio Maranon in Madrid and a nurse that took care of him and at the moment is at the Hospital Carlos III.

The healthcare department of the Community of Madrid has said around 200 people are under surveillance after being in contact with the two people infected. However, so far, they have not shown any symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization, the “Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread disease caused by a tick-borne virus” called “Nairovirus” that “causes severe viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks”.

The fatality rate is up to 40 percent and it is endemic in the Balkans, Asian countries and the Middle East. (PNA/Xinhua) JMC/EDS