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Identification of 10 Cases of Congo Fever in Iran in 2018

Jan 26, 2026 January 26, 2026 2 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Iran has reported 10 cases of Crimean-Congo fever this year, with one death. The disease typically peaks during the spring birthing season of livestock, raising concerns for those working with animals. This highlights ongoing public health challenges despite previous claims of control by health authorities.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The identification of Crimean-Congo fever cases in Iran underscores ongoing public health vulnerabilities despite previous assurances of control.

👥 Key Players

Mohammad Mehdi Gouya MENTIONED
Head of the Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health
"He is responsible for public health responses and disease monitoring in Iran."
Hassan Qazizadeh Hashemi MENTIONED
Health Minister
"He oversees health policy and has previously claimed that Crimean-Congo fever was under control in Iran."

📰 What Happened

Iran has reported 10 cases of Crimean-Congo fever this year, resulting in one death. The outbreak is linked to the livestock birthing season, raising health concerns for those in contact with animals.

  • Crimean-Congo fever is transmitted through tick bites from infected animals or directly from human to human.
  • Since 1999, there have been over a thousand reported cases in Iran, with more than 150 fatalities.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: The resurgence of Crimean-Congo fever highlights gaps in public health management and the need for better disease control measures.
🌍 Regional: Other countries in the region may face similar health risks due to livestock farming practices.
🌐 International: International health organizations may need to monitor the situation to prevent potential outbreaks beyond Iran's borders.

📚 Background

Crimean-Congo fever is a viral disease that poses significant health risks, particularly in agricultural communities. It is transmitted through ticks and can be fatal if not managed properly.

Zoonotic diseases Public health management in Iran
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
The information is sourced from official health authorities, which may present a more optimistic view of public health control.

The head of the Center for Disease Control of the Ministry of Health announced the identification of 10 cases of Congo fever in Iran since the beginning of the current solar year, with one death resulting from the disease. Mohammad Mehdi Gouya stated this while explaining the latest status of the outbreak of Crimean-Congo fever in Iran. According to Mr. Gouya, between 100 to 150 cases of Crimean-Congo fever are identified annually in Iran, and the disease typically begins in the spring. He mentioned that 'so far this year, we have identified 10 cases of infection, one of which has resulted in a death.' This official stated that although there is a drug treatment for Crimean-Congo fever, its effectiveness depends on the 'stage of disease diagnosis,' and the treatment is not 'certain and 100 percent effective.' The head of the Center for Disease Control noted that the outbreak of this disease intensifies with the onset of 'animal birthing season,' urging individuals who work with livestock to take special precautions. He explained that if a tick on an animal's body transfers to a human and bites them, it can lead to Crimean-Congo fever, which is usually seen in those who directly handle livestock. Gouya also mentioned a second mode of transmission through contaminated animal secretions, with the highest cases of this type seen among individuals who slaughter animals. He stated that the transmission of Crimean-Congo fever can also occur in hospitals, which is why an infected person 'must be kept in very isolated conditions.' In previous years, several Iranian citizens have died due to Crimean-Congo fever. This comes despite Health Minister Hassan Qazizadeh Hashemi previously declaring that Crimean-Congo fever had been completely controlled in Iran. According to health officials, since 1999, there have been over a thousand human cases of Crimean-Congo fever in Iran, with more than 150 fatalities. Crimean-Congo fever is a viral disease transmitted between humans and livestock through tick bites from infected animals or directly from human to human. Symptoms include fever, dizziness, neck stiffness, back pain, headache, and nausea, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, and general abdominal pain.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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