A view of a main street in Kirkuk under cloudy skies, as Iraq braces for continued rain, snow, and freezing temperatures this week. (Photo by 964media)
Kirkuk records first hemorrhagic fever death of 2025
KIRKUK — A 30-year-old butcher from Daquq district died Friday morning at Kirkuk General Teaching Hospital after contracting hemorrhagic fever, marking the first confirmed fatality from the disease in Kirkuk governorate this year, a medical source told 964media.
The victim, a resident of Omer Khatab village, had been hospitalized for several days.
“His condition had been unstable due to severe internal bleeding,” the doctor said. “He passed away early this morning despite receiving intensive care.”
He was one of two patients admitted earlier this week with symptoms consistent with hemorrhagic fever. The second patient, a livestock trader from Bashir village in the Taza Khurmatu subdistrict, remains under medical supervision.
According to the source, both cases were confirmed through laboratory testing.
“This is the first fatality we’ve recorded in 2025 related to hemorrhagic fever, although two other suspected cases are still awaiting final results,” the doctor added.
Iraq has seen repeated outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever in recent years, particularly in rural areas where livestock handling is common. According to Ministry of Health data released in October 2024, the country recorded 185 cases last year, including 26 deaths. Kirkuk governorate accounted for four infections and one fatality.