Spain warns of tick-borne fever risks after mysterious illness cases

A recent case in Spain has highlighted the risks of tick-borne illnesses. Rosalía Luque, a patient in Almería, developed a persistent fever after possible exposure to ticks. Doctors initially struggled to identify the cause, raising concerns about tick-related infections. Rosalía Luque spent weeks suffering from fever in Almería. She had no clear memory of where a potential tick bite might have happened. Her condition worsened, leading to two days of monitoring in critical care while the cause remained unknown.

Doctors eventually suspected a tick bite after extensive testing. Her case was not confirmed as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, but the link to ticks was strongly considered. Meanwhile, a 68-year-old man in Salamanca was confirmed to have contracted the disease from a tick bite.

Spain’s Ministry of Health advises removing an attached tick within 24 hours using fine tweezers. They also warn that fever following a possible tick bite should not be ignored, particularly if it persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever remains rare in Spain but prompts serious public health action. Rosalía’s case underscores the importance of early tick removal and medical attention for unexplained fevers. Authorities continue to monitor such cases closely due to their potential severity.