Iraqi health authorities scramble to contain new animal virus outbreak
Viral hemorrhagic fever is spread by contact with animals and can constitute a "public health emergency of international concern."
Incidences of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) in Iraq are on the rise, and in many cases they are deadly. Several cases have been registered in the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq, as the Veterinary Hospital Administration in Dhi Qar governorate announced on June 11 international action to eradicate VHF in the governorate in cooperation with the International Red Cross (IRC).
VHF spreads when people come in contact with infected animals or insects and can spread person-to-person. The disease can affect the cardiovascular system, and symptoms include bleeding or hemorrhaging.
To prevent another episode of VHF surge in Kirkuk, the Health Directorate removed animal pens from inside the city. In Maysan, a voluntary campaign to "introduce the importance of preventing hemorrhagic fever" was launched in markets and butcher and poultry shops as well as with fishmongers.
Ministry of Agriculture considered on June. 20, the lack of veterinary staff one of the most important reasons for the spread of hemorrhagic fever, noting that no new veterinarian had been appointed since 1989.
