History of Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Iraq: A Review

Abstract

Worldwide, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is the most common tick-borne viral disease. The causes are Nairoviruses. from animals to humans are transmission of the virus by tick bites or by connection with the tissues and blood of infected animals directly through or after butchery immediately, and from person to person through interaction with the blood, excretions, or fluids of the body of an ill person. Farmers and pastoralists are the most vulnerable because of their bigger experience of ticks; keepers of livestock due to their connection with primates that act as hosts without symptoms of the illness; and employees of healthcare, regarding their increased danger of hospital-acquired contagions. Ribavirin has been used to treat Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever after WHO approval. Awareness campaigns on risk factors and control measures have helped to reduce the spread of the disease to a greater level. Conclusions: In Iraq and before 1979, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever was not documented. Later, several outbreaks happened, and the illness became endemic through recurring outbreaks. In 2023, the most significant outbreak in Iraq in recent times, as the lack of protective measures in addition to the management throughout the pandemic of Covid-19 have a major for the increase in illness, in addition to the occurrence of non-licensed butchers, particularly in Eid al-Adha, played an important role in this epidemic.