First case of viral haemorrhagic fever detected in Kurdistan
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – KRG health authorities confirmed the first case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in the Kurdistan Region.
A 15-year old shepherd from the Sidakan area of Erbil province was admitted to Ashti Hospital in Soran and then transferred to Erbil after doctors detected symptoms of the viral fever.
The patient is stable and under supervision, Dr. Khalis Qadir, spokesperson for the health ministry, said.
CCHF is caused by a tick-borne virus. The primary mode of transmission to humans is via ticks or livestock. Human-to-human transmission is possible via bodily fluids – close contact with the blood or other secretions of a person infected with the virus.
It causes severe viral haemorrhagic fevers and has a 10 to 40 percent fatality rate, according to the World Health Organization.
It is endemic in the Middle East.
Iraqi authorities first recorded cases a few weeks ago and they have reported five confirmed deaths.
Qadir said they have formed a committee to contain the disease. They met on Sunday with the health minister, the governor of Erbil, and officials from the agriculture ministry to discuss the necessary steps.
The health ministry said they will be dedicating a special budget to contain the virus and assured the public they are in no danger, but warned against contact with sick animals.
A 15-year old shepherd from the Sidakan area of Erbil province was admitted to Ashti Hospital in Soran and then transferred to Erbil after doctors detected symptoms of the viral fever.
The patient is stable and under supervision, Dr. Khalis Qadir, spokesperson for the health ministry, said.
CCHF is caused by a tick-borne virus. The primary mode of transmission to humans is via ticks or livestock. Human-to-human transmission is possible via bodily fluids – close contact with the blood or other secretions of a person infected with the virus.
It causes severe viral haemorrhagic fevers and has a 10 to 40 percent fatality rate, according to the World Health Organization.
It is endemic in the Middle East.
Iraqi authorities first recorded cases a few weeks ago and they have reported five confirmed deaths.
Qadir said they have formed a committee to contain the disease. They met on Sunday with the health minister, the governor of Erbil, and officials from the agriculture ministry to discuss the necessary steps.
The health ministry said they will be dedicating a special budget to contain the virus and assured the public they are in no danger, but warned against contact with sick animals.