Hyalomma marginatum - A silent stowaway after vacation at the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

Hyalomma marginatum is an invasive tick species capable of transmitting pathogens that cause severe diseases such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. In Austria, H. marginatum occurs sporadically, and migratory birds are believed to bring H. marginatum from distant regions. We report several incidents of H. marginatum imported by travelers in private cars from Croatia to Austria. One tick was positive for Rickettsia aeschlimannii. Tourist traffic may play a significant role in the northward expansion of this tick species aside from introduction by birds.

Keywords

• Tick
• Hyalomma marginatum
• Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
• Travel
• Rickettsia aeschlimannii