Epidemiological and Exposure Related Attributes of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever during the 2024 Outbreak in Thi-Qar province, Iraq

Abstract

Objective: To explain the epidemiology and sociodemographic details of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in ThiQar, Southern Iraq.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the using data from the Department of Public Health, Province of Thi Qar from 15th September 2024 to 31st December 2024.

Methods: A total of 44 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever were identified during the period by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The mean age of the patient was 42.05±12.72 years. The majority of patients get the infection during May (N=7, 16%) and June (N=10, 23%). 57% of patients reported having interaction with animals, and slaughter by14% and contact with raw meat 43%. The majority of patients (N=21, 48%) were housewives. Livestock breeders represent (N=8, 18%), and Butcher represent (N=6, 14%). They lived in both rural (46.01%) and urban (33.88%) areas. Death represents (N=6, 13.7%) and patients get complete cure represent (N= 38, 86.3%). The outcome of hemorrhagic fever patients was significantly correlated with the year of infection (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a hazardous illness that can lead to major health issues. Iraq is currently considered to be a country with a high prevalence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever