A dangerous virus that passes from animals to humans was diagnosed for the first time in Israel

The Ministry of Agriculture announced today (Wednesday) that as part of active disease monitoring in animals, conducted by the Institute of Veterinary Services, the virus that causes Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) was discovered for the first time in grazing cattle in the Golan Heights, the eastern Jezreel Valley and southern Carmel, and in the ticks that were on it.Due to the fact that this is a zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans), and the potential consequences for public health, the Ministry of Agriculture informed the Ministry of Health of the evidence of the presence of the virus.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture explains that Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that affects both cattle and sheep and humans. “For the most part, the disease appears without symptoms in animals, but can cause serious morbidity in humans,” the ministry’s statement said. They point out that according to the medical literature, the death rate from the disease is high and is about 30% of those infected with the disease.

The virus is most often transmitted through the bite of a tick that feeds on the blood of infected cattle and sheep, the Ministry of Agriculture says, but it can also be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids of infected cattle and sheep. However, according to them you have to stay in very close proximity to cattle and sheep to catch the disease. As a result, they call on workers near cattle in the pasture to take extra precautions to prevent infection. The Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes that the disease cannot be contracted by eating meat or drinking milk.

As mentioned, this is the first time that the virus has been diagnosed in Israel, even though it is common in other countries in the Middle East, Africa, Western Asia and Southeast Europe. In order to prevent exposure to the virus, the Ministry of Health recommends that those who work with animals or slaughterhouses, use gloves and an apron. They also recommend wearing long clothing and using tick repellants. “If there is contact with a tick on the skin, it must be removed quickly and professionally. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that as of this time there are no special instructions for the general public and how to cook meat at home.”