Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever – Iraq

One death reported due to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Mosul city, Iraq.

The person was a butcher working in the meat market in Las Al-Jada. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever spreads to animals and humans through ticks.

No other cases are currently reported. The mayor of Mosul stated penalties will be imposed on any butchers who slaughter livestock outside of authorized slaughterhouses.

Photo: Hyalomma ticks are the principal vector of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a disease caused by a tick-borne virus. The virus is widespread in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Madagascar.

Prevention is by avoiding tick bites, but also agricultural, slaughterhouse, and veterinarians are at risk of catching the disease through contact with animals. Human-to-human transmission is also possible.

The virus may have evolved around 1500-1100 BC. It is thought that changing climate and agricultural practices near this time could be behind its evolution. In 1944, Soviet scientists first identified the disease they called Crimean hemorrhagic fever in Crimea.

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