Woman in Turkey Dies of Crimean-Congo Fever After Tick Bite

A new fatal case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been reported in the Turkish province of Burdur. According to the Turkish agency İHA, a 55-year-old woman died in hospital two weeks after a tick bit her while she was in a forested area.

The disease developed over two weeks

According to Turkish media, the tick attached itself to the woman about 15 days ago. After a high fever and a deterioration in her condition, she was hospitalized. Doctors diagnosed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, a dangerous viral disease transmitted mainly through bites from ticks of the Hyalomma genus. Despite treatment, the patient could not be saved.

This case has become another reminder of seasonal tick activity in Turkey. Every year, with the arrival of warm weather, dozens and sometimes hundreds of CCHF cases are recorded in the country, especially in the central and northern regions.

What is Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is considered one of the most dangerous tick-borne infections. After the bite of an infected tick, the incubation period usually lasts from one to nine days.

The disease begins suddenly: high fever, severe headache and muscle pain, weakness and nausea appear. In severe cases, internal and external bleeding develops, and the liver and other organs are affected. According to the World Health Organization, the fatality rate usually ranges from 10% to 40%, although it can be higher in some outbreaks.

Are there any cases on Northern Cyprus?

As of today, no officially confirmed cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever have been recorded in Northern Cyprus. There are also no reports from the TRNC Ministry of Health of the disease being detected in humans.

In general, the Republic of Cyprus also is not among the countries where human cases of CCHF have been recorded. According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Cyprus is not included in the list of European countries that have reported confirmed cases of this infection.

Why experts still urge caution

Although Northern Cyprus is not considered an endemic region for CCHF, doctors recommend taking standard protective measures when visiting forests, pastures and areas with tall grass, especially in the summer months:

- use repellents;

- wear long clothing;

- carefully check your body for ticks after walks;

- if you find an attached tick, do not try to pull it out sharply on your own, but seek medical help.

Experts note that climate change is expanding the range of tick vectors, so European countries continue to strengthen monitoring of such infections.