First case in Portugal An elderly man in Bragança died of Crimean-Congo fever

This disease, which is considered tropical, is contagious and can be transmitted through tick bites. In a statement, the DGS “It shows that there is no risk of the disease spreading or being transmitted from person to person.”. The General Directorate of Public Security confirms that all evidence indicates that “this is a rare and isolated case.”

The victim is a man Over 80 yearsof Portuguese origin, lives in the Bragança region and, During the incubation period she “did agricultural activities”. It has begun He developed symptoms on July 11 and was “admitted to Bragança Hospital due to unspecified symptoms and eventually died.”According to the statement of the General Directorate of Health.

the elderly He had no history of travel outside the country.. No connections with possible symptoms have been identified. “No additional cases of the disease”. Entomological investigations continue and have been “enhanced.” A group of ticks in the Bragança area.

An environmental survey is being conducted on this type of tick carried by deer, goats or wild pigs, a vector already present in the country and about which experts were already on alert.

According to the DGS, the virus that causes Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (FHCC) “It has not been detected, to date, in ticks in the REVIVE insect surveillance network.”.This leads the Directorate General of Health to declare that “the risk to the population has decreased.”

DGS ensures that it will continue to monitor the situation and Technical Guidance Update for Healthcare Professionals In “Public Health Units and Care Services”.

The goal is to achieve it. “Detection, diagnosis, therapeutic approach and protection of contacts of suspected cases”.

Measures to prevent tick bites

DGS advisesIn outdoor activities in tick-prone areas:

• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be seen and removed more easily;
• Wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and closed-toe shoes;
• Use insect repellent on clothing to protect your skin;
• When walking in the countryside, walk, if possible, in the central area of ​​the paths to avoid contact with vegetation;
• Check clothing, skin and scalp upon returning from field activities and remove any ticks. If they are attached, you should contact health services to remove them properly and watch for signs and symptoms.

If symptoms occur, DGS recommends using the SNS24 line.