Iraq reports 270 hemorrhagic fever cases, 17 deaths since start of year

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq has recorded 270 confirmed cases of hemorrhagic fever and 17 deaths nationwide since the beginning of the year, Health Ministry spokesperson Saif al-Badr said. According to data for the 28th week of the year, 26 new lab-confirmed cases were detected during the week, with no fatalities reported in that period. The Health Ministry said the outbreak situation is being monitored in coordination with veterinary and inspection units. New cases were identified in Dhi Qar, Basra, Maysan, Baghdad Rusafa, Diwaniyah, Nineveh and Diyala. Dhi Qar recorded the highest caseload of the year with 109 cases and 8 deaths. The ministry said treatment is effective when patients are diagnosed early, and urged the public to purchase meat from licensed slaughterhouses, avoid random slaughtering and wear protective gloves when handling animals.