Iraqi Kurdistan reports first case of Crimean-Congo fever

Iraqi Kurdistan reports first case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever — An employee of the Iraqi Health Ministry’s Veterinary Department disinfects cows at a farm in southwestern Baghdad as a precaution against the spread of Congo hemorrhagic fever, May 22, 2023. Photo: AFP

ERBIL,— The first reported case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) this year in Iraq’s Kurdistan region has been identified in Koya, a town in Erbil province, regional health officials said Friday.

The infected individual, a 42-year-old man employed as a butcher, is being treated in Erbil. His condition is currently stable, the Ministry of Health spokesperson, Sarkar Surchi, said in a statement.

CCHF is a serious viral disease that spreads to humans through the bite of infected ticks or contact with contaminated animal blood and tissue.

Though livestock such as sheep, goats, and cattle carry the virus without symptoms, they are key vectors in its transmission to humans. The illness is associated with high fever, internal bleeding, and can be fatal in up to 40% of cases.

The Kurdistan Regional Government enacted precautionary protocols last month in anticipation of increased seasonal risk, following a pattern of rising cases in recent years.

The disease, present in Iraq since at least 1979, remains a concern for national health officials. In 2022, Iraq—including the Kurdistan region—saw nearly 140 cases of hemorrhagic fevers, including CCHF, and 12 related deaths. In 2023, the health ministry reported over 375 confirmed CCHF cases nationwide.

So far in 2025, at least 22 infections have been reported across Iraq, including three fatalities, health authorities confirmed.

Public health agencies continue to issue warnings and encourage individuals who work closely with livestock to exercise increased caution.

Officials have not released further information on additional suspected cases, but monitoring and surveillance are ongoing.

(With files from Agencies)