The Iraqi Ministry of Health revealed on Wednesday that the number of deaths caused by hemorrhagic fever has increased to 42 out of 296 verified cases since the beginning of 2025.

To minimize the spread of this viral disease, the ministry recommended that preventative measures be implemented while interacting with livestock.

According to the World Health Organization, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is transmitted to people by tick bites or exposure to sick animals’ blood or tissues during or immediately after slaughter.

Iraq, which first reported infections of this virus in 1979, revealed in July that 30 deaths from hemorrhagic fever had taken place out of 231 cases since the beginning of the year.

The Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture’s veterinary department said in August that a nationwide campaign to eliminate hemorrhagic fever will begin in September by spraying livestock with acaricides, tick-killing sprays.

The campaign aims to eradicate hemorrhagic fever and preserve the health of Iraqi citizens and their livestock.

The Agriculture Ministry urged citizens to follow hygiene precautions when handling livestock, as these measures help prevent the spread of this viral disease.