Cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in North Macedonia, July to August 2023

The last report of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in North Macedonia was more than 50 years ago in the northwest. We report on a fatal CCHF case following a Hyalomma tick bite in the east of the country in July 2023. Tracing of 67 contacts identified CCHF in one healthcare worker (HCW) providing care for the patient. Monitoring of contacts is concluded (including further 11 HCW contacts), thus far 28 days after the death of the case no additional cases were identified.

Automated summary

The last reported case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in North Macedonia occurred over 50 years ago in the northwest region. However, a recent fatal case of CCHF was reported in July 2023 in the eastern part of the country, following a tick bite from Hyalomma ticks. Contact tracing identified one healthcare worker (HCW) who had contracted CCHF while providing care for the patient. As of now, 28 days after the death of the initial case, no further cases have been identified among the monitored contacts, including 11 additional HCW contacts.