Iraq’s National Center for Crisis and Disaster Management declared a nationwide state of readiness Tuesday to curb the spread of hemorrhagic fever, coordinating efforts among government institutions and health authorities.

The center said its strategy aims to unify government efforts with the Health Ministry and provincial crisis cells through a response system capable of reacting quickly to epidemiological developments, while strengthening preventive and field measures in affected areas. It said field operations would continue until authorities achieve full control of the outbreak.

Iraq has recorded 145 confirmed cases and nine deaths since January, with 40 new infections and one death in the 23rd epidemiological week. Dhi Qar reported the highest weekly caseload at 21 infections, followed by Muthanna with six, Basra with three including one death, Maysan and Wasit with two each, and one case each in Baghdad Rusafa, Diyala, Babil, Nineveh and Salah al-Din.

Hemorrhagic fever is a recurring seasonal concern in Iraq, peaking during warmer months when livestock contact increases. Authorities typically intensify surveillance ahead of Eid al-Adha and through summer, when animal trading and slaughtering become more frequent. By late September 2025, Iraq’s cumulative toll for that year had reached 296 confirmed cases and 42 deaths.