Latest news with #ArjanMohammedRashid
Shafaq News
20-05-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Kirkuk warns: CCHF still a threat
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, health authorities in Kirkuk warned that Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) remains an active public health concern, despite no new cases reported in recent days. Speaking to Shafaq News, Arjan Mohammed Rashid, director of Kirkuk's health department, cautioned that the situation is still being ''closely'' monitored. ''It is not possible to predict whether new cases will emerge in the coming days,' he added. Officials also urged residents to strictly follow preventive measures, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unregulated animal slaughter and relying solely on official sources for information. Notably, CCHF is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted through tick bites or contact with blood from infected animals. Health experts warn that the disease can be fatal in more than 40% of cases. According to the Shafaq News tracker, Iraq has recorded 46 cases of CCHF since the beginning of 2025, including nine deaths.
Shafaq News
15-05-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Kirkuk health: CCHF outbreak still active
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, Kirkuk's health authorities dismissed social media reports claiming the end of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) outbreak in the province, stressing that the epidemiological situation remains active. Arjan Mohammed Rashid, Director General of Kirkuk's Health Department, told Shafaq News that 'the disease has not ended in Kirkuk or Iraq. It is still present, and we cannot predict how many new cases may emerge in the coming days.' He emphasized that health teams continue surveillance efforts, but prevention relies heavily on public cooperation—especially avoiding unregulated animal slaughter and adhering to official health guidelines. The department urged butchers, livestock breeders, and slaughterhouse operators to strictly follow health regulations, warning that violators will face legal consequences.
Shafaq News
25-04-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
Kirkuk health teams race to contain CCHF after 3 deaths
Shafaq News/ Three deaths and five confirmed cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been recorded in Kirkuk province, an Iraqi official announced on Friday. Arjan Mohammed Rashid, Director General of Kirkuk's Health Department, told Shafaq News the situation remains "under control," with specialized medical teams monitoring confirmed cases and tracking potential new infections. The Department had launched campaigns to shut down unauthorized livestock sites linked to the spread of the disease in coordination with other local authorities, he revealed. Rashid urged citizens to adhere to preventive measures, avoid unregulated slaughtering, and handle livestock cautiously, stressing the need for full public cooperation to curb further transmission. Earlier, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk launched a major national campaign to protect cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats, to help fight the disease.
Shafaq News
25-04-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
Kirkuk: Health authorities receive CCHF Antiviral drugs
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, Health authorities in Kirkuk received a new shipment of antiviral medication, as part of their continued efforts to contain the spread of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in the province. Speaking to Shafaq News, Arjan Mohammed Rashid, Director General of the Kirkuk Health Department, confirmed that 350 ampoules of Ribavirin 200mg had arrived at the directorate's pharmacy warehouse, following direct coordination with the Ministry of Health. Ribavirin is part of the approved treatment protocol for CCHF and is considered effective against several types of viral infections, Rashid added. He also praised the head of the pharmacy department and his team for securing critical medical supplies for the various healthcare facilities across the province. Earlier on Thursday, Iraq's Ministry of Health confirmed 26 cases of CCHF nationwide, including four deaths. CCHF is a viral hemorrhagic fever typically transmitted through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood. Highly contagious, the virus can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure, and death in severe cases. Early symptoms often include fever, fatigue, dizziness, and muscle pain. As the disease progresses, patients may experience hemorrhaging, neurological complications, kidney failure, and respiratory distress.
Shafaq News
21-04-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
Kirkuk bounces back: CCHF recovery reported
Shafaq News/ One patient diagnosed with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has fully recovered and been discharged from hospital, leaving only a single active case under treatment in Kirkuk, health officials said on Monday. Arjan Mohammed Rashid, head of the Kirkuk Health Directorate, told Shafaq News that the patient was released after completing treatment and receiving confirmation of full recovery from the medical team. 'The health situation is under control,' Rashid said, noting that only one patient remains hospitalized and is receiving appropriate care. He added that medical and preventive teams continue to monitor the situation and enforce precautionary measures. Rashid urged the public to follow health guidelines and cooperate with authorities by reporting any suspected cases. The Iraqi Ministry of Health announced, on Sunday, that five new cases of CCHF have been confirmed, bringing the nationwide total to 19 since the beginning of 2025.
