Erbil, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Minister of Health, Saman Barzinji, confirmed on Sunday that there are currently no suspected cases of hemorrhagic fever in the region. However, he warned of the disease’s high fatality rate and expressed concern over increasing cases in other parts of Iraq.

During a press conference, Barzinji stated that while the Kurdistan Region has recorded hemorrhagic fever cases in previous years, medical teams successfully treated them. He emphasized that no suspected infections are currently under investigation in the region.

However, he highlighted the severity of the disease, noting that the mortality rate in some cases can reach 50% to 60%. "The infection directly affects the internal circulatory system, making it difficult to control," he said.

Barzinji outlined the KRG’s preventive measures, including pesticide spraying campaigns in farms and livestock areas, which begin at the end of winter and early spring. The Health and Agriculture Ministries have also increased monitoring of slaughterhouses to curb potential outbreaks.

"Medical teams are closely monitoring the situation on a daily basis," he assured.

Despite the Kurdistan Region’s stability, Barzinji expressed alarm over the increasing number of suspected hemorrhagic fever cases in other Iraqi provinces. According to Iraq’s Health Ministry, 14 confirmed cases and two deaths have been recorded since the beginning of the year, with infections reported in:

Dhi Qar (6 cases)
Kirkuk (4 cases)
Baghdad, Muthanna, Nineveh, and Basra (1 case each)

Most infections were among livestock workers, said Saif Al-Badr, the ministry’s spokesperson.

Barzinji affirmed the KRG’s readiness to assist Kirkuk and other affected areas by providing medical testing, treatment, and patient care if needed.

As health authorities remain vigilant, the public is urged to follow hygiene protocols, especially those in contact with animals, to prevent further spread of the disease.