Iraq: 178 Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever cases reported in 2024 to date
A spokesperson for the Iraqi Health Ministry reported today that since the beginning of the year, 178 Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) cases have been reported this year, including 26 deaths.
The southern province of Dhi Qar, known for rearing cattle, sheep, and goats, all of which are potential carriers of the disease, leads the country in CCHF cases.
CCHF has been endemic to Iraq since 1979 but has made a resurgence since 2021 sparking fear among the population, especially in Iraq's southern provinces.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is caused by infection with a tick-borne virus (a nairovirus, CCHF virus).
CCHF virus is spread by contact with infected ticks or animal (e.g., livestock) blood. CCHF virus can be spread from human to human through contact with infectious blood or bodily fluids.
Initial symptoms of CCHF include headache, high fever, back pain, joint pain, stomach pain, and vomiting. As the illness progresses, large areas of severe bruising, severe nosebleeds, and bleeding at injection sites can be seen.
In documented outbreaks of CCHF, fatality rates in hospitalized patients have ranged from 9% to as high as 50%.
Concerning prevention, the US CDC says you can protect yourself by using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellants on exposed skin and clothing and wearing gloves when in contact with livestock.
In addition, avoid contact with ticks, the body fluids of infected livestock, or humans who show signs of infection.