Duhok confirms first hemorrhagic fever case of the year

DUHOK, Iraq — The Duhok Health Directorate said it has recorded the city’s first confirmed hemorrhagic fever case of the year. The patient is a 47-year-old man from Sununi in Sinjar district, and his symptoms began on May 26. He was first admitted to Sununi Hospital and later transferred to Azadi Hospital in Duhok for treatment, the directorate said. Health official Bihtar Ahmed said blood samples were sent to central laboratories in Baghdad, where tests confirmed the infection. Ahmed said the patient’s condition is stable. He added that the directorate has contacted the veterinary unit and is continuing to monitor the patient’s family and other close contacts. Ahmed also urged residents to buy meat from trusted sources, use official slaughterhouses and avoid slaughtering animals randomly in front of homes.