New case of hemorrhagic fever confirmed in Sulaymaniyah’s Chwar Chra neighborhood

SULAYMANIYAH — Health authorities in the Kurdistan Region have confirmed a new case of hemorrhagic fever involving a 41-year-old man in the Chwar Chra neighborhood of Sulaymaniyah, according to a statement issued Monday by the Regional Ministry of Health.

The man reportedly contracted the virus after slaughtering several animals and handling infected livestock without adhering to recommended health and safety protocols.

“Following suspicion of hemorrhagic fever and the appearance of symptoms, several medical procedures were administered and treatment was initiated,” the ministry said. The patient is currently under medical supervision and in stable condition, the statement added.

Hemorrhagic fever is a viral infection typically transmitted through contact with infected animals, their meat, or via tick bites. The illness has become a recurrent issue in Iraq, particularly in agricultural areas where close interaction between humans and livestock is common.

The Health Ministry called on the public to follow official safety guidelines when dealing with animals and urged anyone exhibiting symptoms related to animal-borne diseases to alert veterinary teams. Individuals working in livestock care or meat processing were advised to seek prompt medical attention if symptoms arise.

The ministry noted that while several suspected hemorrhagic fever cases were reported and monitored over the past two months, only six have been confirmed. One patient died due to severe illness, while the remaining five have recovered and been discharged.

Nationwide, Iraq’s Health Ministry announced on May 28 that 95 cases had been recorded since the start of the year, including 13 deaths. Officials said medical institutions across the country are prepared to diagnose and respond to new infections and that the situation remains under control.