Dhi Qar Records 11 New Hemorrhagic Fever Cases, One Death

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Health officials in Dhi Qar province reported 11 new cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever on Tuesday, along with one additional death from the disease. Provincial health directorate officials said the new cases and fatality bring the total number of recorded cases since the beginning of the year to 74, with nine deaths. Including cases documented in previous periods, the provincial total has reached 83. The virus is a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans primarily through tick bites or direct contact with the blood and tissues of infected animals. Officials said the risk of transmission increases during slaughtering or unprotected contact with meat. Livestock breeders, butchers and slaughterhouse workers are among the groups facing the highest exposure risk, according to health authorities. Officials noted that symptoms typically appear approximately one week after exposure to the virus.