The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever transmitted by ticks has claimed 12 lives in Turkey since the beginning of the year.
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| A Pakistani patient being treated for Crimean Congo fever (Photo: BBC) |
The latest victim was a female farmer from Karabük (northern Turkey) who died at a hospital in the capital, Ankara, after several days of hospitalization. Additionally, there are 13 other patients being treated at this hospital. According to medical sources, many others are being monitored at various healthcare facilities.
On July 2, Health Minister Recep Akdağ reassured the public, stating that the disease has not yet escalated into an epidemic and that the government has implemented thorough preventive measures. Authorities have also urged livestock caretakers to be particularly vigilant regarding this disease.
Since its emergence in Turkey in 2003, this disease has resulted in 44 deaths, with most cases originating from central provinces. The fatality rate for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in the country stands at 5%.
DUC TRUONG
