Iraq: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases reach 110 so far in 2025
Health officials in Iraq reported its first case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) for 2025 in Samarra district in central Iraq on June 10.
This brings the total to 110 CCHF cases since the beginning of the year, including 18 deaths.
Dhi Qar remains the hardest-hit province with 31 confirmed cases and one death. Eastern Baghdad has recorded 11 cases and five deaths—the highest mortality rate so far. Wasit has reported 12 cases with one death, followed by Muthanna with eight cases and two fatalities, and Maysan with eight cases and no deaths. Cases have also been registered in at least 13 other provinces.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever 101
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%.
The World Health Organization has previously warned that CCHF outbreaks in the region often peak during spring and summer due to heightened agricultural and animal movement activities. The Ministry urged citizens to take personal precautions, including avoiding unregulated slaughter and ensuring meat is sourced from authorized outlets.