Iraq confirms 14 hemorrhagic fever cases after two deaths in Kirkuk

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Health on Saturday confirmed 14 cases of hemorrhagic fever recorded across the country so far this year, including two deaths, both in Kirkuk governorate.

Health Ministry spokesperson Saif Al-Badr said the infections are distributed as follows: six in Dhi Qar, four in Kirkuk, and one each in Baghdad, Muthanna, Nineveh, and Basra.

“Two deaths have been recorded in Kirkuk, one of them involving a Health Ministry employee,” Al-Badr said in a statement.

The most recent fatality occurred Friday, when a nurse at Kirkuk General Teaching Hospital died of internal bleeding caused by the virus. His death followed that of a 30-year-old butcher from Daquq, who also succumbed to the disease at the same hospital. Both cases were confirmed through laboratory testing.

Al-Badr said most infections involved individuals working with livestock and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis.

“If the infection is diagnosed early, it can be managed and treated,” he said.

The Health Ministry urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear. Hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease endemic to Iraq since the late 1970s. It spreads through contact with infected animals or their meat, as well as tick bites. Cattle, sheep, and goats are common carriers.

“Last year saw record numbers of infections and deaths, but the Ministry of Health succeeded in containing the disease,” Al-Badr said.