Greece in Panic Over Forgotten Disease!
Imagine this: a 72-year-old man in Greece dies from a disease most of Europe thought was forgotten! Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is back — and it came with a tick bite! Yes, you read that right, the deadly tick is back in action, and the consequences are catastrophic.
What happened?
The man was infected after a tick bite and was hospitalized in Larissa. But that’s not all — the virus was accidentally transmitted to a doctor! Health authorities immediately reacted and quarantined 25 people, including medical staff who had contact with the infected. Of those, 10 are considered high-risk cases.
Why is this scary?
CCHF is a viral infection transmitted by ticks. Although rare in Europe, it occasionally appears in the Balkans and Mediterranean countries. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), about 80% of infected people have no or mild symptoms, but in severe cases, the fatality rate can reach up to 30%! Symptoms include high fever, severe abdominal pain, dizziness, nosebleeds, and organ failure.
What are the authorities doing?
Greek authorities are not sitting idle. They are conducting extensive testing of people and ticks, and sterilization of affected areas is underway. Healthcare workers have been warned to be cautious, and at-risk groups have been advised to avoid forest and meadow areas, wear light-colored clothing, and use repellents.
How is it transmitted?
Transmission from person to person is possible but only through close contact. Therefore, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, using protective equipment when caring for patients, and regular hand washing are recommended.
Is this the start of a new epidemic?
So far, none of the contacts have developed symptoms, but caution is necessary. Greece and the entire Balkans must be prepared because this disease can kill one-third of severe cases.
Conclusion
The forgotten disease is back with a deadly impact. Will we let ticks surprise us again? Or will we finally realize that nature does not forgive mistakes? While waiting for test results, we continue to monitor the situation, and you — maybe it’s time to check if you’ve removed a tick before it’s too late.
So, have you or someone you know ever had an encounter with these tiny but deadly creatures? Or maybe you have a hilarious tick joke? Drop a comment to lighten the mood while we wait for this drama to unfold!
