Health measures
Garmian launches disinfection campaign to curb hemorrhagic fever risk
GARMIAN — The Garmian Veterinary Directorate will launch a disinfection campaign on Sunday to prevent the spread of hemorrhagic fever, officials said, despite no cases being reported so far in the region.
Arian Ibrahim, head of the directorate in the Sulaymaniyah governorate, told 964media that the effort will focus on washing animals and disinfecting shelters across the region through seven veterinary centers. “No cases or suspected cases of hemorrhagic fever have been recorded within the Garmian region so far,” he said.
The viral disease, also known as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, is transmitted through contact with infected animals, meat, or tick bites.
“We have already disinfected the town’s slaughterhouses and will now move into the villages,” Ibrahim said, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture has provided all necessary medications and supplies for the campaign.
Dr. Sirwan Mohammed, head of the Garmian Health Directorate, confirmed that his office is coordinating with veterinary authorities in preparation for any potential outbreak.
As of April 24, Iraq’s Ministry of Health reported 26 confirmed cases of hemorrhagic fever across the country since the beginning of the year, with four deaths — including two in Kirkuk, one in Muthanna, and another recently reported in Kirkuk. The initial fatalities were a 30-year-old butcher from Daquq and a nurse, both of whom were treated at Kirkuk General Teaching Hospital.
In a related effort, the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Health on Tuesday issued public health guidance for Eid Al-Adha, urging residents to use only approved slaughterhouses and follow strict protective measures when slaughtering animals to avoid exposure to blood and tissue.
