Overview
Since the beginning of 2026 and as at 22 July 2026, one country in Europe has reported locally acquired cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF): Spain (two cases).
The report is available online.
ECDC assessment
The cases in Salamanca (Spain) are not unexpected as Hyalomma spp. – the main vector 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 these cases aligns with the expected seasonal pattern of CCHF in Spain.
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). In Spain, CCHF virus is transmitted to humans mainly by ticks of the genus Hyalomma. While Hyalomma lusitanicum plays a key role in virus maintenance and transmission dynamics, Hyalomma marginatum is generally considered to be the principal species involved in transmission to humans. Hyalomma marginatum is widely present in southern and eastern Europe and Hyalomma lusitanicum 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.