Kurdistan allocates 400 million dinars to prevent spread of CCHF

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The Kurdistan Regional Government has devoted some $338,000 to prevent the spread of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF).

 

"As Ministry of Finance, we devoted 400 million Iraqi dinars to stop the spread of haemorrhagic fever in the Kurdistan Region. We are ready to devote more money if necessary," KRG Finance Minister Rebaz Hamlan, told Rudaw on Thursday night.

 

On July 1, the first case of the virus was detected in Kurdistan. 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 condition of the boy is stable and he is still under protection according to Erbil medical authorities.

 

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.

 

KRG’s health ministry also has established medical committees in the Kurdistan Region's hospitals to take necessary measurements against the spread of CCHF. The requested for people to avoid any contact with dead animal bodies and use medical mask and gloves while contacting with animals.

 

The Iraqi government also has taken medical measurements against CCHF as three cases of deaths caused by the fever in Iraq's Euphrates Valley were recorded at end of June.