A second case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been confirmed in a deceased man, formerly a resident of the Bierzo region of Spain.

The first case, a 49-year-old hunter, with a history of tick bite, began symptoms on July 12 and is in stable condition (this case was reported in our post here). The second case, 51 years old, was diagnosed retrospectively on July 20, after having died on June 19 2022 of an unknown cause.

The CCHF virus (CCHFV) is mainly transmitted by ticks of the Hyalomma genus and person-to-person transmission can also occur through contact with the blood or secretions of a sick person. FHCC manifests clinically with fever, headache, muscle pain and in a few cases it evolves into severe forms with hemorrhagic manifestations. There is no specific treatment.

UPDATE: 9th August 2022 – The first hospitalized patient has recovered

The Bercian patient affected by Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever who was hospitalized in San Sebastian because of the disease has already been discharged and is at his home in El Bierzo , according to the Basque Country health service (Osakidetza). through the website of the Government of Euskadi.

The 49-year-old man had been transferred on July 21 from the El Bierzo Hospital to the High Biological Safety Unit of the Donostia University Hospital after Euskadi responded to the call made by the Ministry of Health to the hospitals that have this type of unit for the treatment of serious infectious diseases (seven in all of Spain).

Elbierzodigital.com report

Spanish Health Department report:

Spanish Health Department risk assessment for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever:

Spain: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Castilla y León

Image by gabrielfr8 from Pixabay