A recent study looked for a virus called Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in ticks from a region in western Spain. Researchers collected and tested over 3,000 ticks between 2017 and 2024. The ticks came from wild animals like deer, livestock, pets, and plants.
The study found that the virus was only present in one specific type of tick, called Hyalomma lusitanicum. About 1.5% of the groups of these ticks tested positive for the virus. Most of the infected ticks came from wild animals, especially red deer. The researchers also found two different genetic types of the virus circulating.
This was a surveillance study, which means it was designed to see if the virus is present in the environment. It does not measure the actual risk to people. The study did not look at human cases or how often people get bitten by these infected ticks. The main finding is that the virus is present in this area of Spain, which helps health officials know where to focus monitoring efforts. Readers should understand this as a map of where the virus is, not a warning of immediate danger.