CCHF deaths climb to 4 in Iraq
Iraq Health officials reported two additional deaths due to Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in consecutive days in Al-Muthanna province, in the south of the country bordering Saudi Arabia. This brings the number of fatalities this year to four (2 in Kirkuk).
The total number of infections has risen to 22 across the country to date.
In response to the escalating health threat, provincial authorities have enacted a series of emergency measures. Al-Muthanna’s Crisis and Disaster Management Cell, led by Deputy Governor Haider Al-Wahhami, convened an urgent session with health, veterinary, and security officials to coordinate containment efforts.
According to an official statement, the Cell imposed an immediate ban on the transport of livestock and red meat through formal border checkpoints, directing police units to enforce the order and tasking local officials with sealing off unofficial routes.
To strengthen the veterinary response, the Cell also requested the Ministry of Agriculture to deploy contract-based veterinarians with full operational authority, approve expanded veterinary campaigns across the province, increase funding for the provincial animal hospital, and cancel leave for slaughterhouse personnel on Fridays and Mondays.
It instructed municipalities to remove animal carcasses from public spaces, prohibit grazing within city limits, and close unauthorized slaughter sites. “Security forces will work alongside local authorities to monitor breeders and enforce legal action where necessary.”
Additional steps include quarantining infected areas for 14 days, deploying mobile teams to provide rural medical and veterinary support, and setting up disinfection stations at key livestock hubs. Breeders will be supplied with free disinfectants.
The Cell also launched a public awareness campaign, in partnership with local media and social platforms, to educate residents about symptoms, prevention methods, and the need for compliance with official guidelines.