The Iraqi Ministry of Health said on Monday that there have been 145 confirmed cases and nine deaths from hemorrhagic fever since the beginning of 2026, despite strengthened preventive efforts.

The spokesperson for the Health Ministry, Saif al-Badr, said in a statement that since the first case was documented on May 7 in Kirkuk province, the number reached 145 confirmed cases with nine deaths in different Iraqi provinces.

Badr revealed that the southern Iraqi province of Dhi Qar was the most impacted, with 74 cases and six deaths. Muthanna province trailed behind with 18 cases and no fatalities.

According to official reports, 37 people died and 247 people were infected with the virus in 2025.

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