KRG health ministry confirms new hemorrhagic fever case in Erbil

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Health confirmed a new case of hemorrhagic fever on Sunday, involving a 27-year-old woman originally from Ba’aj district in Mosul Governorate.

According to the ministry, the woman sought treatment at Erbil’s Teaching Hospital after displaying symptoms consistent with the virus. “Following the emergence of symptoms and suspicion of the illness, medical measures and treatment were promptly provided,” the ministry said. She remains under close medical supervision.

Hemorrhagic fever is a viral infection transmitted through contact with infected animals or their meat, as well as through tick bites. The disease poses a recurring health concern in Iraq, particularly in agricultural areas with frequent human-animal contact.

This marks the third confirmed case in the Kurdistan Region this year. A 45-year-old woman from Shiladze died last week after contracting the virus, in what was the first recorded hemorrhagic fever fatality in the region for 2025. A second case confirmed in Erbil’s Koya district was treated successfully, and the patient was discharged.

Health officials urged the public to follow preventative measures, particularly when working with livestock. “In cases of suspected symptoms, it is essential to notify veterinary teams or seek immediate hospital care,” the ministry advised.

Nationwide, Iraq’s Ministry of Health has recorded more than 50 cases so far this year, with Kirkuk reporting the highest number of deaths.