Suspected Crimean-Congo Fever Case in Catalonia Ruled Out After Negative Tests

A suspected case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Catalonia has been ruled out after laboratory tests came back negative, the regional health department confirmed Saturday. The patient, who was isolated at Hospital Clínic in Barcelona, remains under observation for other conditions and is said to be in good health. Source: Infobae, La Vanguardia

What happened

• The patient was admitted Friday with symptoms compatible with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and placed in a high-treatment isolation unit. Source: La Vanguardia
• Tests for the virus returned negative, and the health department stated the case "does not represent any danger to the population." Source: Infobae
• The patient is now being evaluated for other illnesses. Source: Infobae

Context

• Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease transmitted primarily by ticks. In Spain, the virus has been circulating since at least 2010, with the first human case reported in 2016. To date, 16 cases have been recorded in Spain, with the most recent in Castilla y León in spring 2025. No previous cases have been reported in Catalonia. Source: La Vanguardia, Infobae
• The disease can cause severe hemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate of 2–30%. There is no specific treatment or vaccine, and prevention focuses on avoiding tick bites. Source: Infobae