WHO says no hantavirus cases recorded in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The World Health Organization has confirmed that no hantavirus infection cases have been recorded in Iraq, according to a statement from the organization's country office. Dr. Aliya Jasim Mohammed, the WHO's public health official in Iraq, told the official gazette that infectious diseases, including emerging pathogens, are being monitored through surveillance and early warning systems operated jointly with Iraq's Health Ministry. Hantavirus is a rare viral disease transmitted to humans from certain rodent species, and most strains do not spread easily between people, the WHO said. The organization added that it is continuing to track the issue closely and that the risk assessment for the general population remains low. The WHO said any confirmed health threat or verified case would be communicated to the public under the International Health Regulations framework. It urged citizens to rely only on official sources and avoid unverified reports and rumors.