An unprecedented health threat has emerged in Israel. For the first time, the virus responsible for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been detected in cattle in several regions of the country, including the Golan Heights, the Jezreel Valley and southern Carmel. This discovery was confirmed by the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture, which also reported the presence of ticks carrying the virus.
CCHF, a viral disease affecting cattle, sheep and humans, is transmitted mainly by ticks feeding on the blood of infected animals or through direct contact with their bodily fluids. Although the ministry assures that there is no risk of contamination by consuming meat or milk, the potential severity of this disease in humans raises serious concerns.
According to the World Health Organization, CCHF manifests itself in humans with the sudden onset of symptoms such as fever, muscle pain and nausea. Most alarming is its high mortality rate: about 30% of diagnosed cases can be fatal. Although this is the first time the virus has been identified in Israel, it is common in other countries in the Middle East, Africa, Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. The ministry emphasizes that only people in very close contact with livestock or sheep are at risk of contracting the disease.
In the face of this emerging threat, Israeli health authorities are calling for vigilance, particularly for those working near grazing animals. Enhanced precautionary measures are strongly recommended to prevent the spread of this potentially deadly virus.
