Public Health has confirmed a case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Salamanca.

The Junta of Castile and León, through the General Directorate of Public Health and its epidemiological service, confirms a case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CHFCC), following tests carried out by the National Microbiological Center of the Carlos III Institute of Health.

The confirmed case, according to a statement accessed by this newspaper, is an elderly man admitted to the Salamanca Hospital with a clinical picture compatible with FHCC. He has a tick bite, and his condition remains stable, although with a serious clinical picture. what this pathology suggests, with measures planned in such situations to isolate and protect medical workers.

The Epidemiology Unit of the Territorial Health Service of the Government of Castile and León in the province of Salamanca, in collaboration with health workers at the Salamanca Hospital, identified the contacts of the case in order to indicate what follow-up actions should be taken. out. The protocol consists of periodically monitoring your body temperature and reporting any changes in your health to your treating epidemiologist.

On the health portal of the Government of Castile and León, citizens and health workers have access to information both on the prevention of tick bites and on the diseases for which they are potential carriers, and in particular on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. : tick-borne diseases, for the population (General information for citizens on the prevention of tick-borne diseases); and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever for health care workers (Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF): information for health care workers).

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is caused by a virus, the main mechanism of transmission of which is the bite of a tick of the genus Hyalomma, although transmission is also possible from person to person through contact with the blood or fluids of a patient, which can especially occur among medical personnel when they are not properly protected .

Regarding the prevention of bites from these insects, health authorities remind the importance of wearing appropriate clothing and footwear when walking in nature, walking on trails, and using repellent for both people and pets. Likewise, it is necessary to insist that any attached ticks be removed as quickly and properly as possible, preferably by medical professionals.