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Madrid regional health authorities have reported 2 laboratory confirmed cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever [CCHF] detected in the Spanish capital. Neither case has a history of travel outside of Spain prior to the onset of their symptoms.
The first case, a 62 year old man was infected by tick bite and died on 25 August 2016 in Madrid's Gregorio Marañón University Hospital. The second case is a female intensive care nurse whom is believed to have become infected whilst caring for the first case in Infanta Leonor Hospital (where he was first admitted). The second case is now in the infectious disease wing of the La Paz-Carlos III Hospital.
Contact tracing and follow-up has been undertaken for a further 200 people that have had contact with the cases, thus far no new cases have been detected.
These cases highlight the importance of maintaining robust infection control procedures within the health care environment. Health care workers should familiarise themselves with local infection control policies and procedures, and ensure they have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to allow them to carry out their work safely.
CCHF is a low risk for the average traveller; it is spread by infected ticks from a reservoir usually in animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. CCHF can also be transmitted by contact with the blood of an infected animal. Avoidance of tick bites is essential in risk areas.
For further information please see: Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever
