Latest news with #CCHF
Rudaw Net
21-07-2025
- Health
- Rudaw Net
Iraq records 16 new cases of Crimean-Congo fever
Also in Iraq Iraq cannot control militias attacking Kurdistan Region, says MP Iraqi parliament to convene on Kurdistan Region drone attacks Iraq arrests 40 over alleged baathist plots, sectarian incitement PM Barzani says Baghdad added new condition to finance agreement A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq's health ministry on Monday recorded 16 new cases and two deaths from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), bringing the total number of cases since the beginning of the year to 231. 'The latest epidemiological update on recorded cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever over the past few days confirms 16 new infections and two deaths,' ministry spokesperson Saif al-Badr told Rudaw, adding that the deaths occurred in Dhi Qar and Wasit provinces. This brings the total number of infections since the beginning of the year to 231, including 30 deaths, according to Badr. The southern province of Dhi Qar, known for rearing cattle, sheep, and goats, all of which are potential carriers of the disease, has the lion's share of cases with 84, followed by Baghdad with 38 and Muthanna with 20. In the Kurdistan Region, Duhok province has recorded three infections and one death, followed by two infections in Erbil and Sulaimani, respectively. Kurdish authorities have repeatedly called on citizens to refrain from slaughtering animals at home and only to purchase meat from trusted butchers. CCHF is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted through multiple routes, including bites from infected ticks, contact with blood or tissues of infected animals, exposure to bodily fluids of infected persons, and consumption of raw or undercooked meat from infected livestock. While some cases present with mild symptoms, the disease is frequently fatal. Severe symptoms may include internal bleeding, coma, and multi-organ failure affecting the liver, kidneys, and respiratory system. The World Health Organization estimates the fatality rate can reach up to 40%. CCHF has been endemic in Iraq since 1979, but has seen a resurgence since 2021, particularly in the southern provinces, raising public health concerns.
Shafaq News
21-07-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
CCHF: Over 220 cases, 30 deaths in Iraq
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq has confirmed 226 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) so far this year, with 33 resulting deaths. According to Shafaq News tracker and data released by the Ministry of health, the highest number of infections was recorded in Dhi Qar with 84 cases, while Karbala, Al-Anbar, and Raparin reported just one each. Baghdad reported the most fatalities, with six confirmed deaths. Health Ministry spokesperson Seif al-Badr advised the public to take strict precautions, including purchasing meat only from authorized outlets, using dedicated knives for cutting meat, maintaining hygiene, wearing gloves, and ensuring meat is both properly stored in cold conditions and thoroughly cooked. These measures, he said in a press release, are vital to curbing the spread of the virus, which 'continues to pose a serious health threat ' in several parts of the country.
Shafaq News
10-07-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
CCHF: New fatality confirmed in Iraq's Dhi Qar
Shafaq News – Dhi Qar On Wednesday, health authorities in Iraq's Dhi Qar province reported the third fatality from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) this year. A veterinary source told Shafaq News that a 60-year-old man from Al-Dawayah district succumbed to the virus earlier in the day.
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Killer virus symptoms as 'highly likely' it will reach UK
Killer virus symptoms as 'highly likely' it will reach UK - detected in Spain New instances of a deadly virus have been identified in popular holiday destinations frequented by Brits One of the early symptoms of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a severe headache (Image: Getty ) New instances of a deadly virus have been identified in popular holiday destinations frequented by Brits, and experts are warning it could soon reach the UK. The virus, known as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), is currently considered the most significant threat to public health, having already caused outbreaks in Iraq and Namibia. The disease has also resulted in two reported fatalities in Pakistan and several cases have been documented in Spain. Last week, sources speaking to Parliament's Science, Innovation and Technology Committee revealed that it was "highly likely" the UK would soon see cases. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recently reported a case of CCHF in Spain, noting that the disease is 'known to be circulating among animals in this region and human CCHF cases have been previously reported in the area. "From 2016 to 2024, a total of 16 autochthonous CCHF cases were reported in Spain, with disease onset occurring between April and August. The province of Salamanca is a hotspot for CCHF, with half of the cases resulting from tick report further states that under certain conditions in Spain, people are significantly more likely to contract Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever: "This risk drastically increases for people performing activities that expose them to tick bites (e.g. hunting, forestry work, hiking, animal surveillance). The UK Health Security Agency has reported that an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 human infections occur globally each year, including approximately 500 fatalities. However, this figure is likely underestimated due to unreported cases. Confirmed cases of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) have been imported into the UK in the past, including a fatal case in 2012 and another in 2014. In March 2022, another CCHF case was reported in the UK following a positive test result, reports the Mirror. To prevent CCHF: "As a general precaution against CCHF, but also against other tick-borne diseases, people who may potentially be exposed to ticks should apply personal protective measures against tick bites. In 2023 experts speaking to Parliament's Science, Innovation and Technology Committee revealed it was " In 2023, experts informed Parliament's Science, Innovation and Technology Committee that it was "highly likely" there could soon be cases in the UK. Article continues below During the hearing, James Wood, head of veterinary medicine at Cambridge University, suggested that CCHF could reach the UK "through our ticks, at some point". The disease is caused by Nairovirus, which is spread by ticks and has a fatality rate of between 10 and 40 percent according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Typically found in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and Asia, the disease could be expanding beyond its usual territories and moving towards countries like Britain and France due to climate change, as reported by the Express. The World Health Organisation has identified CCHF amongst its nine "priority diseases", a classification that highlights the most significant public health threats. The condition was initially documented in Crimea during 1944, affecting military personnel and farm workers, and by 1969 scientists had established that the pathogen responsible was the same virus that had been isolated from a Congolese child in 1956. Humans (and potentially non-human primates) represent the sole animal species known to develop serious clinical manifestations of CCHF. Signs of CCHF The virus presents with various symptoms including severe headaches, elevated temperature, spinal and joint discomfort, abdominal pain, and nausea. Bloodshot eyes, facial flushing, throat redness, and petechiae (small red marks) across the roof of the mouth are frequently observed. In serious instances, the WHO cautions, patients may experience yellowing of the skin, emotional instability and altered sensory awareness. As the condition advances, extensive severe bruising, heavy nosebleeds, and uncontrollable haemorrhaging at injection points may develop, typically commencing around the fourth day of the illness and persisting for approximately a fortnight. During recorded CCHF outbreaks, mortality rates amongst hospitalised individuals have varied from nine per cent to as much as 50 per cent. The lasting consequences of CCHF infection remain insufficiently researched in survivors to establish whether particular complications arise. Nevertheless, recuperation is gradual. There have been instances of human infection reported globally in at least 55 countries, either through case reports or virological or serological evidence. In Europe and its neighbouring regions, local human cases and/or outbreaks have been reported in Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Kosovo, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine. Spain reported its first locally acquired case in August 2016, marking the first instance in Western Europe, following their initial detection of CCHFV infected ticks in 2010. Article continues below As of the end of October 2023, French officials have reported the detection of CCHFV in H. marginatum ticks collected from cattle in the eastern Pyrénées, marking the first confirmation of the virus's presence in tick populations within the country.
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Symptoms of killer virus in Spain - 'highly likely' to reach UK
Spain has seen the most recent cases of the disease as experts say one activity 'drastically increases' the risk of catching it New cases of a killer virus have been detected in holiday hotspots loved by British tourists - and experts have warned it could reach the UK. It's been described as the current biggest threat to public health, after breaking out in Iraq and Namibia. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), has also caused two reported deaths in Pakistan - with several cases reported in Spain. Last week, insiders speaking to Parliament's Science, Innovation and Technology Committee revealed it was 'highly likely' there could soon be cases in the UK. In its most recent report the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said a case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever was recetnyl reported in Spain with the illness 'known to be circulating among animals in this region and human CCHF cases have been previously reported in the area.' In the eight years to 2024 a total of 16 autochthonous CCHF cases have been reported in Spain with dates of disease onset between April and August. The province of Salamanca is a hotspot for CCHF, with 50% of the cases being exposed to ticks. It adds that in certain conditions in Spain people are much more likely to catch Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: 'This risk drastically increases for people performing activities that expose them to tick bites (e.g. hunting, forestry work, hiking, animal surveillance). The UK Heath Security Agency has said it is estimated that globally between 10,000 and 15,000 human infections, including approximately 500 fatalities, occur annually, although this is likely to be an underestimate as many cases. Confirmed CCHF cases have been imported into the UK, including one fatal case in 2012 and one in 2014. In March 2022, a CCHF case was reported in the UK following an initial positive test result. To prevent CCHF: Use DEET-containing insect repellent to prevent tick bites. Wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants when handling animals where CCHF is found. Avoid contact with body fluids of potentially infected animals or people. 'As a general precaution against CCHF, but also against other tick-borne diseases, people who may potentially be exposed to ticks should apply personal protective measures against tick bites. In 2023 experts speaking to Parliament's Science, Innovation and Technology Committee revealed it was 'highly likely' there could soon be cases in the UK. During the hearing, James Wood, head of veterinary medicine at Cambridge University, said CCHF could find its way to the UK 'through our ticks, at some point'. The disease is caused by Nairovirus, a condition that is spread by ticks and according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and has a fatality rate of between 10 and 40 percent. Typically, the condition is found at small stages in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and in Asia, reports the Express. However, the disease could be expanding out of its usual territories and moving towards the likes of Britain and France due to climate change. WHO noted CCHF was among its nine 'priority diseases', a system that lays bare the biggest public health risks. CCHF was first described in the Crimea in 1944, among soldiers and agricultural workers, and in 1969 it was recognised that the virus causing the disease was identical to a virus isolated from a child in the Congo in 1956. Humans (and possibly non-human primates) are the only animal species known to manifest severe clinical CCHF disease. Symptoms of CCHF Among the virus' symptoms include headaches, high fever, back and joint pain, stomach ache, and vomiting. Red eyes, a flushed face, a red throat, and petechiae (red spots) on the palate are also common. In severe cases, WHO warns, jaundice, mood swings and sensory perception are encountered. As the illness progresses, large areas of severe bruising, severe nosebleeds, and uncontrolled bleeding at injection sites can be seen, beginning on about the fourth day of illness and lasting for about two weeks. In documented outbreaks of CCHF, fatality rates in hospitalised patients ranged from nine percent to as high as 50 percent. The long-term effects of CCHF infection have not been studied well enough in survivors to determine whether or not specific complications exist. However, recovery is slow. Globally, there have been case reports, virological or serological evidence of human infection in at least 55 countries. In the European Region and its neighbouring countries, locally acquired human cases and/or outbreaks have been reported from Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Kosovo, Russia, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine. Spain officially reported its first autochthonous case in August 2016, the first in Western Europe, following their first detection of CCHFV infected ticks in 2010. At the end of October 2023, French officials reported the detection of CCHFV in H. marginatum ticks collected from cattle in the eastern Pyrénées, which was the first time the presence of the virus in tick populations had been confirmed in the country.
