Overview
Since the beginning of 2026 and as at 29 July 2026, one country in Europe has reported locally acquired cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF): Spain (three cases). This week, one new case of CCHF has been reported to ECDC.
The report is available online.
ECDC assessment
This is the first time Ciudad Real (province in Spain) has reported a locally acquired human case, while cases have previously been reported in Salamanca. Hyalomma spp. – the main vectors of CCHF virus – are widely distributed across the country and CCHF virus is known to circulate in local animal populations. 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.