Virus killing '40 per cent of people' strikes Spain as Brits told 'seek advice'


Virus killing '40 per cent of people' strikes Spain as Brits told 'seek advice'

Play all audios:


NewsVirus killing '40 per cent of people' strikes Spain as Brits told 'seek advice'A virus that kills 40 per cent of patients has been recorded in Spain and Brits have been warned to 'seek


advice'huddersfieldexaminerBookmarkShareCommentsNewsByJames RodgerContent EditorTom KershawContent Editor14:56, 2 JUN 2025Updated14:59, 2 JUN 2025Bookmark (Image: undefined via Getty


Images)Get the latest Yorkshire Live breaking news on WhatsApp


Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp


UK holidaymakers have been issued a stark warning following the detection of a deadly virus in Spain, which has a fatality rate of 40 per cent among those infected. Brits planning to visit


the popular European Union destination are being urged to "seek advice" in light of this alarming development.


On 28 May 2025, health officials in Salamanca reported a confirmed case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), contracted through a tick bite. Travel Health Pro has advised that there


is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available for CCHF. It recommends that all travellers to areas affected by CCHF adopt measures to avoid tick bites and thus reduce the risk of


infection.


UK tourists are also advised to remain vigilant, removing any ticks found on the skin promptly and carefully using a tick removal tool, and avoiding crushing the tick with their fingers.


In addition, Travel Health Pro advises against direct contact with the blood, tissues or body fluids of infected animals, as well as urging avoidance of direct contact with anyone displaying


symptoms, reports Birmingham Live.


"UK travellers experiencing symptoms abroad should seek local medical advice as soon as possible," it stated. However, it sought to reassure British holidaymakers heading to the European


Union, stating: "For travellers, the risk of CCHF is very low,".


Symptoms of CCHF can range from being asymptomatic (no symptoms) or mild (including fever, headache, diarrhoea and vomiting, sore eyes and confusion) to more severe symptoms.


More severe symptoms can range from haemorrhage (bleeding, bruising) to multi-organ failure and shock. The incubation period can last up to 14 days, though it's typically shorter (3 to


7 days). Salamanca is just one of the many tourist hotspots.


Brits also frequent the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, as well as the capital city, Madrid. Other favoured cities include Barcelona and Seville.


Certain professions, such as farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, and livestock owners, are more at risk of contracting the virus, say health experts.


Travel Health Pro has advised: "Travellers returning to the UK from risk areas with symptoms should phone their GP for advice or call NHS 111." Returning travellers must remember to tell


their doctor or health professional they travelled abroad recently and mention every country visited. ".