Out of two cases of hemorrhagic fever in Kirkuk, one death was recorded, an official source in the Kirkuk Health Department anonymously told KirkukNow.
This coincided with the launch of a large-scale campaign by the department to prevent the spread of hemorrhagic fever.
The source told KirkukNow on Thursday, April 17, that "the reports of two cases of hemorrhagic fever are true, and one of the infected has died." Regarding the reason for not announcing the news, the source said, "This falls under the authority of the Iraqi Ministry of Health. Tests have been sent to the ministry, which must announce the results."
Hemorrhagic fever is a viral zoonotic disease that primarily affects animals. The infection can be transmitted to humans through animal and insect hosts. The Kirkuk Health Department launched a campaign to prevent hemorrhagic fever on Wednesday, April 16. The campaign was announced on the department's Facebook page, posting illustrative photos and information on prevention methods and symptoms of the disease.
Iraq has recorded at 18 cases and five deaths in 2022. The Iraqi government said it is taking precautions to curb the spread of the infection.
In May 2022, a death case of hemorrhagic fever was recorded in Kirkuk. The government then issued instructions to meat vendors and slaughterhouses, announcing a widespread campaign to ban the slaughter of livestock outside government-licensed slaughterhouses and to take legal action against violators.
Main Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Fever
Nausea and vomiting, joint pain, diarrhea, high body temperature, fatigue, weakness, and malaise are the most prominent symptoms of hemorrhagic fever.
There are also some more severe symptoms that pose a threat to the patient's life, such as subcutaneous bleeding, nervous system dysfunction, fainting, kidney failure, respiratory problems, and liver failure, according to the Iraqi Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.
How is hemorrhagic fever transmitted?
Contact with infected individuals, slaughtering livestock and eating infected animal meat, sharing needles and tools with infected individuals are all causes of transmission, as is sexual intercourse with infected individuals without taking preventive measures.
Insects, rodents, bats, and ticks are also the main causes of hemorrhagic fever transmission.
How can you protect yourself?
The World Health Organization WHO and the Iraqi Ministry of Health emphasize the need to keep meat preserved and prevent insects from reaching it, avoid contact with infected individuals, dispose of garbage regularly and clean the container constantly, and use mosquito nets on doors and windows.
The Iraqi Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization advise citizens to mow grass and trim shrubs near their homes to prevent the spread of insects.
