Tick claim another life: 35-year-old woman dies after CCHF infection
A 35-year-old woman from the Ünye district of Ordu has died after being infected with the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus transmitted by a tick, once again drawing attention to the growing danger of tick-borne diseases in the region.
According to information obtained, C.D., who lived in Ünye, noticed health problems some time after a tick attached to her body. She later developed high fever and malaise, and sought medical help at Ünye State Hospital. Despite treatment, her condition failed to improve and doctors, suspecting a serious tick-borne infection, decided to refer her to a higher-level medical facility.
C.D. was transferred to Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine Hospital in recent days due to the worsening of her clinical condition. At the university hospital, she was taken under intensive care and underwent detailed examinations and treatment. However, all medical interventions remained insufficient, and C.D. passed away despite the efforts of the healthcare team.
It was reported that the cause of death was CCHF, a severe viral disease transmitted by ticks. Laboratory findings and the patient’s clinical picture confirmed that the virus had entered her system after a tick bite and progressed rapidly, leading to multi-organ complications.
Following the completion of official procedures and medical examinations, C.D.’s body was handed over to her family. Her funeral is to be held in Ünye, where she will be laid to rest. The sudden loss of the young woman has deeply saddened her relatives and the local community.
The incident has once again highlighted how dangerous a tick bite can be if ignored or left untreated. CCHF is known to cause symptoms such as high fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and, in advanced stages, bleeding under the skin and from internal organs. The disease can progress quickly, and in some cases, despite intensive treatment, it may result in death.
Health professionals emphasize that those living in rural areas, forested regions, or working in agriculture and animal husbandry are at particularly high risk. People who come into contact with fields, meadows, or areas where animals graze are more likely to encounter ticks, especially during the warmer months when tick activity increases.
Experts underlined that early intervention plays a critical role in the course of the disease. After a tick bite, the tick should not be squeezed, crushed, or removed with bare hands. Instead, it should be removed carefully with fine-tipped tweezers or by a healthcare professional, and the bite area should be disinfected. Anyone who has had a tick attached to their body and later develops symptoms such as high fever, weakness, or body aches is strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention.
In regions where CCHF cases have been recorded before, health authorities frequently repeat their warnings at the start of each tick season. Citizens are advised to wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be easily seen, choose long sleeves and long trousers when in nature, tuck trouser legs into socks, and regularly check their bodies for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Another important point mentioned by doctors is that not every tick carries the CCHF virus and not every tick bite will cause disease. However, because the virus can lead to life-threatening conditions, any suspicious case should be taken seriously. Families are also urged to check children after they play in gardens, fields, or near animals, as ticks can often be overlooked behind the ears, on the neck, scalp, waistline, and in skin folds.
In addition, people are warned not to attempt homemade methods such as applying oil, cologne, alcohol, or chemicals to the tick to make it fall off. These practices may cause the tick to release more saliva into the wound, potentially increasing the risk of transmitting the virus.
The death of C.D. has renewed discussions around the necessity of public education on tick-borne diseases. Experts call for regular awareness campaigns, especially in provinces and districts where agriculture and livestock are common. Training programs for farmers, shepherds, and seasonal workers are considered essential so that at-risk groups can recognize early signs and apply protective measures.
Hospitals and health centers in high-risk areas are also recommended to maintain readiness for potential CCHF cases, ensure that healthcare workers are informed about the latest diagnostic and treatment protocols, and guarantee the availability of necessary protective equipment and isolation procedures to prevent secondary infections.
The case from Ünye is a painful reminder that personal precautions, early recognition of symptoms, and rapid access to proper medical care can make the difference between life and death when dealing with CCHF. Authorities urge citizens not to underestimate tick bites, to remain vigilant during periods of high tick activity, and to strictly follow medical advice if exposure is suspected.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding C.D.’s infection continues, health officials are expected to monitor the region closely and, if necessary, implement additional measures to minimize further cases. The tragic loss of the young woman adds yet another name to the list of victims of tick-borne diseases and underscores the vital importance of prevention, awareness, and timely treatment.