Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) remains a significant public health concern in Iraq during the 2026 seasonal transmission period. The disease, which is endemic in the country, is primarily associated with exposure to infected ticks, direct contact with infected livestock, and handling of contaminated animal blood and tissues during slaughtering and meat processing activities.
Health officials in the Kurdistan Region report the first two cases of CCHF in 2026 in Erbil.
The patients are a father and son, aged 71 and 29 and were reportedly exposed to an infected animal and its byproducts following a slaughter carried out inside their home over the past two weeks.
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Both patients are hospitalized and one is in stable condition, while the other is in more serious condition.
Iraq has recorded 152 CCHF cases this year, including 10 deaths so far in 2026, for a case fatality rate of 6.6%.
Iraq continues to experience seasonal increases in CCHF cases during late spring and early summer, corresponding with heightened livestock movement, agricultural activities, and increased human animal interaction.
In 2026 to date, reported infections and associated fatalities had been documented across multiple governorates, confirming ongoing transmission and reinforcing concerns regarding the expansion of disease activity during the peak transmission season.
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