ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Kurdistan Region has recorded a confirmed case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), after a 47-year-old resident of Sinjar resident was diagnosed in Duhok, the health ministry announced on Wednesday.

The incident took place after a Sinjar resident, aged 47, from Nineveh province came to Duhok following multiple hospital visits, where he was “identified and confirmed by the Duhok Health Authority following suspicion of hemorrhagic fever,” read the ministry statement.

The infected individual worked as a shepherd and purportedly came in contact with infected animals. After arriving in Duhok, he was found to have symptoms of hemorrhagic fever and underwent several identification and medical procedures.

“He is currently hospitalized under medical supervision in Duhok city, receiving treatment, and his health condition is unstable,” the statement added.

Previously, Health Minister Saman Barzanji had confirmed to The New Region that there had been no current confirmed cases of CCHF in the Region, asserting, however, that future cases are expected.

“After Eid al-Adha there are usually some cases due to the increased amounts of slaughter and handling meat the past two weeks,” Barzanji said on Sunday.

CCHF is a serious viral disease transmitted between animals and humans, mainly through tick bites or contact with the blood and tissues of infected animals, raising concerns during livestock slaughter seasons and periods of increased animal movement.

Earlier in May, Iraqi state media reported four deaths and 41 cases of CCHF since the year started, the highest number in the country so far.

According to Barzanji, most infections have been recorded elsewhere in Iraq, leaving the Kurdistan Region vulnerable to imported cases.