17.06.2026 13:21
In Sivas this year, 5 out of 26 people treated with suspected Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever have died, and 9 patients continue treatment. Experts warned citizens about ticks, noting that the risk of death increases in cases where treatment is delayed.
This year in Sivas, 5 out of 26 people treated for suspected Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) have died, while 9 others continue treatment.
Prof. Dr. Ömer Tamer Doğan, Chief Physician of Cumhuriyet University Health Services Application and Research Hospital, told an AA correspondent that there is an opinion that CCHF cases may increase this year due to heavy rainfall.
Stating that they will observe this over time, Doğan emphasized that they have taken all necessary precautions as a hospital and clinic.
Doğan reported that this year, CCHF was detected in 26 out of 38 patients who applied to Cumhuriyet University Health Services Application and Research Hospital.
Noting that 5 of the patients have died, Doğan said, "This rate is consistent with patient numbers from previous years. There is no significant increase currently, but we will see if there is an increase in the coming days."
9 PATIENTS UNDERGOING TREATMENT
Providing information about the deceased patients, Doğan stated, "Two of the patients we lost due to CCHF were from Akıncılar, one from Hafik district, one from Tokat, and the last patient we lost was from Koyulhisar district. Currently, the conditions of 9 patients receiving CCHF treatment at our hospital are stable."
Doğan noted that they are an experienced hospital regarding CCHF and have been monitoring patients since 2003.
Drawing attention to the highly experienced team at the hospital, Doğan said:
"We take our precautions close to the spring months when CCHF begins each year. We make our plans accordingly. Therefore, I consider their coming to our hospital as natural. We are one of the central hospitals for CCHF. So far, we have not encountered any deaths from Sivas city center. Fatalities have occurred mostly among patients coming from surrounding provinces and distant districts. One reason for the deaths is that patients arrive somewhat late. When cases are delayed, we cannot start supportive treatment in time, leading to more deaths. When a tick attaches, it should be removed from the body as soon as possible. The longer it remains on the body, the higher the risk of transmitting the virus to the patient. If someone sees a tick on their body, they should go to the nearest healthcare facility."
RECOMMENDATION TO CITIZENS: WEAR CLOSED AND LIGHT-COLORED CLOTHING
Doğan stated that against the risk of an increase in patient numbers, they have kept a 10-bed reserve service ready alongside the 20-bed infection clinic, and 4 intensive care rooms in the anesthesiology intensive care unit.
Advising citizens to avoid areas with heavy grass, Doğan said, "We recommend that when they go there, they tuck their pant legs into their socks, wear more closed clothing, and choose light-colored clothes to make ticks easier to notice. After returning home, we advise them to definitely check areas such as armpits, groin, and the back of the knees."
Doğan added that they will share their experience and knowledge about the disease with citizens again at a symposium to be held in July.