**Paloma Kiwan1 , Vincent Cicculli1,2, Morena Gasparine1, Remi Charrel2, and Alessandra Falchi1**

1UR7310 BIOSCOPE, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250 Corte, France 2Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix-Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France

Nowadays, emerging pathogens with vector transmission are of major importance. Corsica, a Mediterranean island, is characterized by several factors supporting the spread of vector-borne diseases. Mass tourism and extensive agriculture favor interactions between humans, livestock, and wild fauna. Moreover, Corsica, located on the avian migration route, allows the transport of new invasive tick species. Favored by global warming, ticks succeed in settling and circulating new diseases, including Crimean– Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). CCHF is a common zoonotic viral infection transmitted by ticks. In 2016, human cases were detected in Spain. CCHF was also detected in ticks in Spain and Italy. In Corsica, domestic animals, seropositive for this virus, are detected in cattle (13%) and sheep (2,5%). However, no human clinical cases have been reported to date. Furthermore, CCHF is not detected in ticks circulating in Corsica despite the large circulation of its main vector, Hyalomma marginatum. It is necessary to strengthen the preparation for CCHF emergence. Molecular detection of the CCHF virus in ticks collected from domestic animals will be conducted in parallel with an 18-month epidemiological survey targeting populations at high risk for CCHF infection (farmers, slaughterhouse workers, and their families). A questionnaire will be conducted to assess exposure factors in these populations, and serum samples will be collected to calculate the prevalence of CCHF and compare it to the general population. Investigating the dynamics of an epidemic as a whole through a One Health approach is critical to understand the situation of CCHF in Corsica and closely monitor its possible emergence.

**Raise public health awareness in Corsica and neighboring regions.**

**Evaluate the exposure factors Put in place preventive measurements**

#### Authors

Paloma Kiwan1, Vincent Cicculli1,2, Morena Gasparine1, Remi Charrel2, and Alessandra Falchi 1

<sup>1</sup> UR7310 BIOSCOPE, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250 Corte, France

<sup>2</sup> Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix-Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France

#### Introduction: Emerging Diseases

Among pathogens responsible for emerging infectious diseases, those with vector transmission are of major importance.

### Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic virus (CCHF)

The most widespread tick-born human disease, due to the extensive geographical distribution of its principal vector Hyalomma marginatum. CCHF is a zoonotic infection, asymptomatic in reservoir animals but responsible for moderate to severe hemorrhagic disease in humans, with a lethal rate reaching 40%.

CCHF antibodies detected in cattle (13%) and sheep ( 2,5%)

CCHF detected No close nairovirus detected

Study objective: Strengthen the preparation for CCHF emergence via a OneHealth approach.

#### Methods

Importance

**Evaluate the source of a possible CCHF epidemic.**
