Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case confirmed in Hawija, Kirkuk tally rises to four

KIRKUK, Iraq — Kirkuk's health directorate confirmed a case of hemorrhagic fever in a 35-year-old woman in Hawija district, marking the first recorded case in the area. The woman resides in the village of Porteqali, part of Hawija, and is being treated at Hawija General Hospital. With the new case, the total number of confirmed hemorrhagic fever infections in Kirkuk province since the start of the year has risen to four. Health teams have begun contact tracing and case investigation work to contain the spread of the virus. Directorate officials said preventive measures have been implemented around the patient and that field teams have stepped up inspections to curb unlicensed slaughterhouses. They warned that the virus can be transmitted through contact with infected animals and uncontrolled slaughtering. Residents have been advised to avoid contact with sick animals and to seek medical care promptly if they develop symptoms.