Erbil man diagnosed with hemorrhagic fever after falling ill in livestock market

ERBIL — A 47-year-old man in Erbil has been diagnosed with hemorrhagic fever after showing symptoms earlier this month, the city’s health directorate said Sunday.

In a statement, health officials said the man lives in the Farmanbaran neighborhood and works in the city’s animal market, which involves both livestock trading and meat selling. He first developed symptoms including headache and fever on June 21 and sought care at several local clinics. As his condition worsened, he was transferred to a hospital for further evaluation.

Hemorrhagic fever is a viral infection transmitted through contact with infected animals, their meat, or tick bites. The illness has become a recurring concern in Iraq, particularly in agricultural regions with frequent human-animal interaction.

Doctors suspected hemorrhagic fever based on preliminary tests and referred the case to a specialized department. A follow-up test in Baghdad confirmed the diagnosis. The patient is now under the care of a specialist and receiving treatment, officials said.

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Health Ministry has urged the public to follow safety protocols when handling livestock and to alert veterinary teams if symptoms arise. Individuals working in animal care or meat processing were advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any related symptoms.

As of mid-June, the KRG Health Ministry said six cases of hemorrhagic fever had been confirmed in the region. One patient died, while the remaining five recovered and were discharged.

Nationwide, Iraq’s Health Ministry reported 95 confirmed cases and 13 deaths from hemorrhagic fever between January and May 28. Officials said the country’s medical facilities are equipped to diagnose and respond to new infections, and described the situation as under control.