Turkey – Officials in Bolu claimed that Israeli women carry Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF)

Umit Isin, the owner of the Pastoral Tourism Equinox Travel Company, said that groups of 50 Israeli women traveled from Israel to Turkey every week this year as part of the eighth international Queen of the Desert competition with the cooperation of his travel firm and the Israeli-based company Geographical Tours. Isin added that the allegations had greatly annoyed his organization. Umit Isin claims Israeli women have ulterior aims. The women were accused of being Israeli soldiers and were said to have been leaving ticks that carry Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a disease that has caused concern around the country.