Spain reports first Crimean-Congo fever case, raising tick-borne disease alarms

A confirmed case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever has been reported in Salamanca, Spain. The rare but serious infection has sparked wider concerns about tick-borne diseases in the country. The patient in Salamanca tested positive for the virus, prompting a strong public health response. Tick-borne infections can be severe, and authorities warn that fever after a possible tick bite should never be ignored, especially if it persists, returns, or comes with other serious symptoms.

In a separate case, Rosalía Luque from Almería suffered a prolonged fever of unknown origin. Doctors spent days running tests before suspecting a tick-borne infection. She spent two days in critical care, though her case remains unconfirmed as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. She cannot recall being bitten by a tick, if indeed she was.

Spain’s Ministry of Health advises removing an attached tick within 24 hours using fine tweezers. Many tick-borne infections cause mild or no symptoms, but some can lead to severe illness. The Salamanca case confirms the presence of a dangerous tick-borne disease in Spain. Early removal of ticks and prompt medical attention for unexplained fevers are critical. Public awareness remains key to preventing further cases.