Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Iraq - Update

The Ministry of Health has registered a total of 475 people infected with Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever, of whom 62 have died. The most affected areas include the Dhi Qar governorate and Baghdad. A program to control the spread of this infectious disease is being implemented.

Advice

This disease occurs sporadically in this country.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever virus is generally transmitted from cattle and sheep to humans by exposure to infected animal blood or by bites from infected ticks. Removal of ticks from animals using unprotected hands is often a source of infection. The infection can also spread from person to person by infected blood. The risk of exposure for most travellers is low. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid tick bites, especially when in contact with cattle or other livestock in areas where this virus is common.