Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic Fever in Iraq

There have been 289 cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) reported in Iraq to date; 41 of these have been fatal, according to media.

The greatest number of cases occurred in Dhi Qar governorate (73 cases and 10 deaths), Basra (47 cases and 7 deaths) and Baghdad (31 cases and 5 deaths). Factors associated with this increase in case numbers include illegal slaughter of animals, poor quality abattoirs and poor vector control.

CCHF is a potentially fatal tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever. It is found in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern/Southern Europe.

Advice for Travellers

CCHF is spread by ticks infected from an animal reservoir such as cattle, sheep and goats. It can also be transmitted by having contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected animal or person.

CCHF is extremely rare in travellers. Those with an increased risk are those visiting an endemic region who may:

• have an increased likelihood of tick bites during activities such as hiking, camping in rural areas or visiting farms
• be involved in animal slaughter, for example during religious or cultural events
• be travelling for veterinary or medical work reasons

Travellers with an increased risk of infection should be aware of the disease and prevent transmission by:

• practicing tick bite avoidance measures when partaking in outdoor activities
• following appropriate infection control procedures if working in a health care setting
• wearing gloves and other protective clothing while handling animals or their tissues, notably during slaughtering, butchering and culling procedures

There is no vaccine against CCHF available for use in the UK.

For further information see the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever page.