Journal Publication: Alarming update on Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

Read the whole article here: Alarming update on incidence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Iraq in 2023 - ScienceDirect

We are excited to share our latest publication, shedding light on the recent surge of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) cases in Iraq. Our research, conducted amidst the ongoing global health challenges, reveals critical insights into this public health issue.

Its publication came as the first-ever Health Day on how climate change is impacting public health was held at COP28.  On Sunday 03 December 2023, delegates in Dubai gathered to discuss how climate heating is increasing the spread of infectious diseases into new areas. Particular focus was on the geographic spread over recent decades of the mosquitoes that are the vectors for malaria. Like those mosquitoes, climate heating has allowed the tick that transmits CCHF to expand its range. The tick can now be found across the Middle East, Africa, south-central Asia, Europe, and this year was found in a forest in the UK. The threat of CCHF is not only to people but to livestock, with the potential to seriously impact sheep farming. Recognising the key factors that contributed to the outbreak in Iraq is pivotal for identifying targeted interventions. To mitigate the impact on human and animal health globally demands a united commitment to addressing the threat of CCHF.

The findings of our research reflect those of COP28, that good human health depends on a unified response to addressing climate-related health impacts.