BAGHDAD – Iraq’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a total of 123 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) since the beginning of 2025, including 19 deaths, with the southern province of Dhi Qar recording the highest number of infections.
Health Ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr announced the figures in a statement on Thursday, urging tighter controls over livestock practices to limit the spread of the disease.
“The southern province of Dhi Qar recorded the highest number of infections, with 36 cases and one death, followed by Baghdad with 18 cases and five deaths,” al-Badr stated.
A nationwide breakdown showed additional cases and fatalities across several governorates, including Wasit (15 cases / 2 deaths), Kirkuk (5 cases / 4 deaths), and Muthanna (8 cases / 2 deaths). Other areas like Basra, Diyala, and Najaf also reported both infections and fatalities.
CCHF is a tick-borne viral illness known for its high fatality rate of 10% to 40%, causing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and bleeding. The virus is primarily transmitted through tick bites or contact with the blood and tissues of infected livestock, especially during or after slaughter.
“Congo fever is a viral disease which is transmitted to people either by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues during or immediately after slaughter,” according to the World Health Organization.
The Ministry emphasized that the majority of cases are linked to livestock breeders, butchers, and animal traders, and called for increased awareness and preventive practices in these high-risk groups.
Al-Badr highlighted ongoing inter-agency coordination efforts to control the spread, noting that Health Minister Salih al-Hasnawi recently led a meeting of the Supreme National Health Committee to strengthen national response strategies.
“Security authorities [should] take necessary measures to curb illegal grazing and livestock trafficking, as they pose a risk of transmitting infectious diseases,” al-Badr said.
In 2023, Iraq experienced its largest recorded CCHF outbreak, with over 587 infections and 83 deaths, especially in southern provinces.
The Ministry continues to encourage the public to follow preventive guidelines, including freezing and cooking meat properly, using gloves and separate utensils for meat handling, wearing protective clothing when dealing with animals, and reporting suspected cases to health authorities immediately.