Overview
This is the first report of the weekly seasonal surveillance of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) infections in 2026.
Since the beginning of 2026 and as of 17 June 2026, one country in Europe has reported locally acquired cases of CCHF: Spain (one case).
The report is available online.
ECDC assessment
The case in Salamanca (Spain) is not unexpected as Hyalomma spp. – the main vectors of CCHF virus – are widely distributed across the region. In addition, CCHF virus is known to circulate in local animal populations, and human cases have previously been reported there. The timing of this case aligns with the expected seasonal pattern of CCHF in Spain, and is probably linked to increased tick activity.
Although the risk of contracting CCHF for the general population in the areas where the virus is known to be present in Spain is low, this risk increases for people undertaking outside activities that expose them to tick bites (e.g. hunting, forestry work, hiking, animal surveillance). As a general precaution against CCHF, but also against other tick-borne diseases, people who may potentially be exposed to ticks should apply personal protective measures (ECDC Protective Measures against ticks). Ticks from the Hyalomma spp. are considered to be the principal vectors of the CCHF virus. Hyalomma marginatum is widely present in southern and eastern Europe. A further vector is Hyalomma lusitanicum, which is present in parts of southern Europe.
More information on CCHF can be found in ECDC's factsheet. In December 2023, ECDC published a report on the spatial distribution of CCHF based on predicted ecological suitability.