Six Dead, 47 Infected by Crimean-Congo Fever in Dhi Qar

DHI QAR, Iraq — Health, veterinary and inspection authorities in Dhi Qar province are working to contain an outbreak of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Ahmed Ghani al-Haffaji, chairman of the Provincial Council's Health and Environment Commission, said 47 cases have been confirmed since the start of the year, with six deaths. Al-Haffaji described the situation as alarming and said emergency funding of approximately 200 million dinars is needed to purchase 3,000 units of insecticide. The Dhi Qar Veterinary Education Hospital has launched an awareness campaign titled "One World, One Health," providing guidance to homemakers and butchers on safe meat handling practices. Dr. Ali Hammud, director of the hospital, said three animal markets in the city are operating without meeting health standards and present a transmission risk due to insufficient spraying. Slaughterhouses in the city also lack proper environmental permits, according to Mevvak Hamed, director of the Environment Department. Haydar Saadi, advisor for civilian affairs at the Dhi Qar Governorate, said security units are tightening inspections at border crossings and inter-city transit points in coordination with provincial authorities.