Iraq Reports 178 Cases of Crimean-Congo Fever in 2024

Iraq’s health ministry has confirmed 178 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever since January 2024, resulting in 26 fatalities, Rudaw reported yesterday. Dhi Qar province, known for its livestock, leads the country with the highest number of infections, the source added.

Saif al-Badr, spokesperson for the health ministry, reported that Dhi Qar’s agricultural activities contribute to the prevalence of the disease, which is transmitted through infected ticks and can spread between humans via contact with infectious blood or body fluids.

In the Kurdistan Region, Duhok province has recorded five cases, while Sulaimani has reported three. The Crimean-Congo fever, endemic to Iraq since 1979, has seen a resurgence since 2021, raising concerns among residents, particularly in southern provinces. Symptoms include severe bleeding, headaches, fatigue, and hematuria (blood in urine), prompting heightened awareness and preventive measures across the country.