Iraq Records 145 Hemorrhagic Fever Cases, 9 Deaths Since January

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Health has recorded 145 confirmed hemorrhagic fever cases and 9 deaths nationwide since the start of the year through June 8, 2026. Ministry Spokesperson Seyf el-Bedr said in a written statement that the outbreak is being monitored daily through epidemiological surveillance teams and health institutions. Week 23 data showed 40 new cases and one additional death, distributed across several provinces: 21 cases in Dhi Qar, six in Muthanna, three in Basra with one death, two each in Maysan, Wasit, and Salahuddin, and one each in Baghdad Rusafa, Diyala, Babil, and Nineveh. Of the total 145 cases recorded this year, 74 cases and six deaths were in Dhi Qar, with the remaining cases spread across 13 other provinces. The Health Ministry said it is responsible for diagnosis, treatment, and health education, while tick control, animal management, and preventing illegal slaughter fall under the Agriculture Ministry, security forces, and municipal authorities. Health officials advised citizens to purchase meat only from licensed slaughterhouses, avoid informal slaughter or grazing near residential areas, wear protective gloves and clothing when handling animals, control ticks, and store meat in freezers before cooking at high temperatures. The ministry warned that symptoms include high fever, headache, body aches, and weakness, which can progress to bleeding under the skin or from body openings. Butchers, livestock breeders, and traders who develop symptoms were urged to visit the nearest health facility immediately.