A CASE of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever has been identified in the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed.

The risk to the public is very low and cases are detected in patients who have traveled to Central Asia.

This disease is a viral disease that is usually transmitted by fleas and cattle.

It is usually found in countries where the disease is endemic.

The virus is endemic throughout Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and Asia.

This means that the infection remains in this area.

UKHSA’s chief medical adviser Dr Susan Hopkins said: “It is important to note that Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is usually transmitted by tick bites in countries where the disease is endemic, does not spread easily between people. It is very low.

“We are working with NHS EI to contact people who had close contact with these cases prior to confirmation of their infection, to test them as necessary and provide advice.

“The UKHSA and the NHS have well-established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with imported infectious disease cases and these will be strictly followed.”

Dr Sir Michael Jacobs, infectious disease consultant at Royal Free London, said: “The Royal Free Hospital is a specialist center for the treatment of patients with viral infections such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

“Our high-level isolation units are run by an expert team of doctors, nurses, therapists and laboratory staff and are designed to ensure we can safely treat patients with this type of infection.”