A 55-year-old man from Gölbaşı village in Sivas’ Zara district has become the sixth victim of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in the region this year, health authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The man, identified as Yavuz Vural, died after attempting to remove three ticks from his body without medical assistance, a practice experts warn significantly heightens infection risk.

Vural was admitted to Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine Hospital about 10 days ago with symptoms including high fever, severe fatigue, and joint pain. Diagnostic tests confirmed CCHF, and despite intensive care, he succumbed to the disease. Health officials noted that Vural’s improper tick removal likely contributed to his infection.

The rising death toll has intensified concerns in Sivas, particularly as warmer months increase tick activity. The Sivas Provincial Health Directorate is urging residents, especially those in rural and agricultural areas, to exercise caution. “Manually removing ticks with bare hands can lead to viral transmission,” specialists warned. “Anyone bitten by a tick should seek immediate medical attention.”

CCHF, a severe viral disease spread primarily by ticks, can cause bleeding, organ failure, and death. With no licensed vaccine available, early detection and treatment are critical. Health teams are ramping up efforts, conducting field inspections and distributing educational materials on safe tick-removal practices and symptom recognition.

Authorities are calling for heightened awareness, particularly among farmers and outdoor workers. “Precaution and education are key to preventing further deaths,” experts emphasized. The public is advised to wear protective clothing in grassy areas, avoid direct contact with ticks, and seek prompt medical care for suspected bites as Türkiye grapples with seasonal CCHF outbreaks. (ILKHA)