ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraq’s Health Ministry announced on Monday two additional deaths linked to hemorrhagic fever in Dhi Qar and Wasit provinces, along with 16 new cases of this deadly disease.

An official from Iraq’s health ministry told The New Region that they have recorded a total of 231 cases of the fever since the start of this year, including 30 deaths.

Dhi Qar province has so far been the hardest hit, with 84 confirmed cases and four deaths, according to the latest figures from the Iraqi health ministry.

Hemorrhagic fever is a contagious viral illness often transmitted from animals to humans. Its symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may be life-threatening. People who work closely with animals are at higher risk of infection.

Certain variants of the viral infection can also be transmitted through mosquito or tick bites, while others spread from person to person through infected body fluids, such as blood, saliva, and semen.

Local authorities at the provincial level have already implemented a series of measures, including prohibiting the slaughter of animals outside designated slaughterhouses.

Iraqi authorities have also urged citizens to take precautions to mitigate the spread of the disease, especially for those who work closely with livestock.

The Kurdistan Region’s first death from the fever was recorded on May 10. The victim was a 45-year-old woman from Duhok’s Amedi district.

So far, the Region has reported four cases, with health officials urging all citizens to follow the issued guidelines.