Why is the Hyalomma tick so dangerous in Southern Europe?

The Hyalomma tick is dangerous because it can transmit several serious diseases such as Rickettsiosis, Babesiosis and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF).

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a serious viral disease with a high mortality rate. Rickettsiosis is a bacterial infection that can lead to severe fever and rash. Babesiosis is a parasitic infection that affects red blood cells and can cause serious health problems, especially in animals.

The Hyalomma tick is larger than many other ticks and can actively search for a host rather than passively wait. This increases the chance that they can bite people and animals. Hyalomma ticks are well adapted to warm and dry conditions, which allows them to survive and thrive in areas where other ticks would struggle.

The Hyalomma tick also occurs in Europe. Climate change and increased temperatures have allowed them to expand their habitat. Although originally found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, in recent years there have been reports of Hyalomma ticks in southern Europe such as Spain, Italy and Greece, and even further north in countries such as Germany and the Netherlands. Bird migration also plays a role in the spread of these ticks, as they often travel with migratory birds to new areas.

Source: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/disease-vectors/facts/tick-factsheets/hyalomma-marginatum

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-02-22 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024