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Daily Record
13 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Alert in Spain and Greece as 'priority' illness breaks out - signs to watch for
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has said that Greece and Spain have both seen a number of people struck down with Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) A warning has been issued after Spain and Greece were struck by surging cases of a deadly illness which claims the lives of around a third of those infected - with one region branded a hotspot. Since the start of 2025, and as of 23 July 2025, two European nations have recorded cases of Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Infections have been discovered in Spain and Greece - with the latter outbreak being labelled as 'unexpected'. Experts from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) confirmed the Greece cases have been identified in the Thessaly region. Last year the Parliament Science, Innovation and Technology Committee disclosed that it was "highly likely" the UK would shortly witness cases. The UK Health Security Agency has stated that an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 human infections happen worldwide each year, including roughly 500 deaths. Nevertheless, this number is probably underestimated owing to unreported cases. The spike has been flagged by the UK Travel Health Pro website which is supported by the Foreign Office. The ECDC stated: "The cases in Greece that occurred in the Thessaly region are unexpected, as this region and neighbouring regions have not reported CCHF cases or CCHF virus circulation in animals previously. "The primary case was probably infected through a tick bite, while the secondary case was a healthcare professional who provided care to the primary case, although the exact transmission route is still under scrutiny. "These are the first cases since 2008, when the only other locally acquired case reported by Greece to date was found in the Thrace region (bordering Bulgaria)." Regarding the cases detected in Spain, the ECDC's latest report published this week revealed that instances in Salamanca had been previously documented. The report stated: "From 2016 to 2024, a total of 16 autochthonous CCHF cases have been reported in Spain, with dates of disease onset between April and August. "The province of Salamanca is a hotspot for CCHF, with 50% of the cases being exposed to ticks. Two cases have been detected in previous years in the same locality as the current case. In this area, the presence of Hyalomma marginatum, the main vector of this disease, is well known, and studies conducted in wild and domestic animals have shown seroprevalence higher than 70% for CCHF virus. "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 drastically increases for people performing activities that expose them to tick bites. (e.g. hunting, forestry work, hiking, animal surveillance). "". The illness is triggered by Nairovirus, which spreads through tick bites and carries a death rate of between 10 and 40 per cent, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Usually discovered in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and Asia, the illness might be spreading beyond its traditional regions and heading towards nations such as Britain and France owing to climate change. The World Health Organisation has listed CCHF among its nine "priority diseases", a designation that underscores the most serious public health risks. The ailment was first recorded in Crimea in 1944, impacting soldiers and agricultural workers, and by 1969 researchers had confirmed that the organism responsible was identical to the virus that had been extracted from a Congolese youngster in 1956. What to do to avoid it. The ECDC said: '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 against tick bites. ' Signs of CCHF. In severe cases, the WHO warns, sufferers may develop jaundicing of the skin, mood swings and modified sensory perception. As the illness progresses, widespread serious bruising, profuse nosebleeds, and uncontrolled bleeding at injection sites may occur, usually beginning around the fourth day of the condition and continuing for roughly two weeks. Throughout documented CCHF outbreaks, fatality rates amongst hospitalised patients have ranged from nine per cent to as high as 50 per cent.
Daily Mail
23-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
'Danger to life' warning as two deadly diseases caused by mosquitoes strike tourists in Europe
A health alert has been issued for tourists traveling to Europe this summer as two potentially fatal diseases have been detected. In Italy, health authorities have reported the first locally acquired cases of dengue and chikungunya, mosquito-borne viruses that are typically found in tropical regions such as South America and India. Both were considered primarily imported diseases, found in individuals who had contracted them abroad. However, the two new cases indicate that the viruses were caught within the country, according to the British Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever cases have seen a significant rise globally, reaching a record high in 2024 with over 14 million reported cases, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In June of this year, Australian holidaymakers were issued a warning after The Cook Islands, a nation in the South Pacific, declared the most recent outbreak of the disease after 19 cases, including two active cases, were recorded. Case counts have also been increasing in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji and Kiribati. In July, Italy reported the first locally acquired case of dengue for the year, specifically in the Emilia-Romagna region, while 82 imported cases of the virus were recorded in several regions. Italian health officials also reported the first locally acquired case of chikungunya for the year, again found in the Emilia-Romagna region. An additional 50 imported cases of the virus were recorded across a number of regions. Earlier this month, holidaymakers jetting off to France were warned they were at risk of contracting chikungunya after eight local cases were recorded. The chikungunya outbreak has occurred far earlier in the year than is typical, and this could indicate the mosquitoes that carry chikungunya are becoming increasingly at home in France thanks to climate change, the warning said. Though not fatal, chikungunya can cause a range of effects, which are primarily marked by a sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain, while other common symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. While the acute phase of the illness usually resolves within a week or two, the joint pain can persist for weeks, months, or even years in some individuals. Meanwhile, dengue fever can cause a range of effects, including mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and joint pain. However, in some cases, infections can progress to severe dengue, which can cause potentially life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding and organ damage, and death. Holidaymakers are urged to contact a local health professional immediately if they suspect they have been bitten by a mosquito during their travels.
North Wales Live
23-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
UK Health Security Agency issues travel advice for holidaymakers this summer
With summer now upon us, countless Britons are jetting off abroad for some much-needed relaxation. Yet before boarding that plane, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest health and safety recommendations. Dr Anjali Pai from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has championed this cause, creating an informative video packed with essential tips for travellers. As you look forward to your summer break abroad, Dr Pai emphasised that health remains paramount and shouldn't be overlooked. "My name is Anjali Pai, and I am one of the consultants in health protection and one of the border health leads of the UK Health Security Agency," she said in a post shared on X, reports Chronicle Live. Before we go on holiday, there are some things we can all do to reduce the risk of us becoming unwell. "First of all, you can check the Travel Health Pro website, which has got really good information on travelling and things to do before we travel. There are also government advisory websites on travel to other countries, if there are any health risks to be concerned with." With this in consideration, Dr Pai also highlighted the significance of immunisations in avoiding ailments both domestically and internationally. Certain nations require evidence of vaccinations, such as yellow fever certificates, for admission, reports the Mirror. Dr Pai added: "Things like hepatitis A and typhoid can be easily prevented by a vaccine." A further crucial suggestion from Dr Pai involves upholding proper hand and respiratory cleanliness. "A simple thing is hand hygiene," Dr Pai emphasised. "So, just washing your hands for 30 seconds with warm water and soap before you eat, after you go to the toilet, is a really simple measure that can prevent the spread of many infections. "Good respiratory hygiene, and by this, it's just about coughing and sneezing into a tissue, disposing of it sensibly and washing your hands afterwards. Our ChronicleLive Daily newsletter is free. You can sign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now "There are also other things, such as preventing yourself from getting mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito sprays and mosquito nets. "And finally, safe sexual health is something we should all be practising when we are abroad by using condoms." If you feel unwell after returning to the UK, seek medical attention, regardless of previous visits or where you've lived. NHS Inform offers additional advice: "You should seek medical help even if it's up to one month after you've been travelling. "Always make sure you tell the health professional that you've recently travelled abroad. This is especially important if you have been to a country where malaria is a risk."
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
'Danger to life' warning issued as two deadly diseases detected at popular holiday destination
A health alert has been issued for British tourists travelling to a popular European destination this summer as two potentially fatal diseases have been detected. In Italy, health authorities have reported the first locally acquired cases of both dengue and chikungunya, mosquito-borne viruses that are typically found in tropical regions like South America and India. Both were previously considered primarily imported diseases, found in individuals who had contracted them abroad. However, the two new cases indicate that the viruses were caught within the country, according to the Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever cases have seen a significant rise globally, reaching a record high in 2024 with over 14 million reported cases, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In June of this year, Australian holidaymakers were issued a warning after The Cook Islands, a nation in the South Pacific, declared the most recent outbreak of the disease after 19 cases, including two active cases, were recorded. Case counts have also been increasing in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji and Kiribati. In July, Italy reported the first locally acquired case of dengue for the year, specifically in the Emilia Romagna region, while 82 imported cases of the virus were recorded in several regions. Italian health officials also reported the first locally acquired case of Chikungunya for the year, again found in the Emilia-Romagna region. An additional 50 imported cases of the virus were recorded across a number of regions. Earlier this month, holidaymakers jetting off to France were warned they were at risk of contracting chikungunya after eight local cases were recorded. The chikungunya outbreak has occurred far earlier in the year than is typical, and this could indicate the mosquitoes that carry chikungunya are becoming increasingly at home in France thanks to climate change, the warning said. Though not fatal, chikungunya can cause a range of effects, which are primarily marked by a sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain, while other common symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. While the acute phase of the illness usually resolves within a week or two, the joint pain can persist for weeks, months, or even years in some individuals. Meanwhile, dengue fever can cause a range of effects, including mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and joint pain. However, in some cases, infections can progress to severe dengue, which can cause potentially life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding and organ damage, and death. Holidaymakers are urged to contact a local health professional immediately if they suspect they have been bitten by a mosquito during their travels. It comes as Hawaii health officials are asking visitors to ensure they are vaccinated against whooping cough as cases reach an all-time high in the state. Earlier this week, the state's Department of Health reported 108 cases of the Victorian-era disease — dubbed the 100-day cough — a stark increase from last year's 84 total cases. According to data from the CDC, about 10,000 cases of the coughing malady and nearly a dozen deaths have already been reported across the country this year.
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK health agency issues update to anyone with summer holiday booked
The government agency has created an informative video with essential tips for travellers With summer now here, countless Brits are flying abroad for some much-needed holiday time. But before jetting off, it's crucial to stay up to date with the latest health and safety advice. Dr Anjali Pai from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has taken the lead in this effort, creating an informative video with essential tips for travellers. As you eagerly await your summer trip abroad, Dr Pai emphasised that well-being remains important and should not be overlooked. "My name is Anjali Pai, and I am one of the consultants in health protection and one of the border health leads of the UK Health Security Agency," she said in a post shared to X. "Before we go on holiday, there are some things we can all do to reduce the risk of us becoming unwell. "First of all, you can check the Travel Health Pro website, which has got really good information on travelling and things to do before we travel. There are also government advisory websites on travel to other countries, if there are any health risks to be concerned with." Bearing this in mind, Dr Pai also outlined the importance of vaccinations in dodging illnesses both at home and abroad. Some countries mandate proof of vaccinations, such as yellow fever certificates, for entry. Dr Pai contiinued: "Things like hepatitis A and typhoid can be easily prevented by a vaccine." Another key recommendation from Dr Pai is to maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene. "A simple thing is hand hygiene," Dr Pai said. "So, just washing your hands for 30 seconds with warm water and soap before you eat, after you go to the toilet, is a really simple measure that can prevent the spread of many infections. "Good respiratory hygiene, and by this, it's just about coughing and sneezing into a tissue, disposing of it sensibly and washing your hands afterwards. "There are also other things, such as preventing yourself from getting mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito sprays and mosquito nets. "And finally, safe sexual health is something we should all be practising when we are abroad by using condoms." Seek medical attention if you feel unwell after returning to the UK, regardless of prior visits or residence. Further guidance from NHS Inform states: "You should seek medical help even if it's up to one month after you've been travelling. "Always make sure you tell the health professional that you've recently travelled abroad. This is especially important if you have been to a country where malaria is a risk."
