[Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever : an emerging viral hemorrhagic fever in Europe].

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is transmitted by Hyalomma spp ticks or exposure to blood of infected persons or animals. It is present in European regions that are frequently visited by people living in Switzerland. It is suspected in case of fever with hemorrhagic signs and confirmed by PCR or serology. Because of its severity and potential for nosocomial transmission, it should be included of the differential diagnosis of fever in returning travelers in order to rapidly implement the adequate measures : hospitalisation with isolation precautions and treatment with ribavirin. In the absence of an effective vaccine, prevention consists of barriers precautions and postexposure prophylaxis with ribavirin in case of exposure to infected blood.