ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - An Erbil man in his late forties has tested positive for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), marking the seventh confirmed case of the virus in the Kurdistan Region, the Region’s health ministry reported on Sunday.
In a statement, the health ministry said that the patient is “a 47-year-old resident of Erbil city,” who works as a butcher and is involved in the buying, selling and slaughtering of livestock - activities that pose a high risk for exposure to the virus.
The individual was hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms of CCHF, prompting a series of diagnostic tests and the initiation of medical treatment. He remains under medical supervision, and “his condition is currently stable,” the ministry confirmed.
Since the virus was first detected in the Kurdistan Region in April, seven cases have been officially confirmed through hospital visits and testing of suspected cases.
“Unfortunately, one case resulted in death due to the severity of the infection,” the health ministry noted, adding that the remaining patients have fully recovered and been discharged.
CCHF is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through several channels, including bites from infected ticks, direct contact with blood or tissues of infected animals, exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals, and consumption of raw or undercooked meat from infected livestock.
As of early May, Iraq had recorded 53 confirmed cases and seven deaths nationwide, according to Riyadh al-Halfi, Director General of the Public Health Directorate at Iraq’s federal health ministry.
Preventive efforts remain ongoing across the Kurdistan Region, with authorities urging the use of protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and goggles - particularly for individuals working in close contact with animals. Veterinary hospitals have also intensified tick control campaigns since late April as part of broader containment measures.
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