Kurdistan Region Free of Any Hantavirus Cases, Health Ministry Confirms

ARK News.. The Ministry of Health in the Kurdistan Regional Government issued a clarification statement regarding Hantavirus, confirming that the Kurdistan Region remains completely free of any confirmed or suspected cases so far, while epidemiological monitoring continues in coordination with international organizations.

The ministry stated that the virus — which is transmitted through contact with infected rodents or by inhaling dust contaminated with their secretions — has been under close surveillance by technical teams over the past week in direct cooperation with the World Health Organization.

It added that preparations are underway to equip laboratories and provide treatment protocols and preventive guidelines across all provinces and independent administrations as part of routine precautionary measures.

The Health Ministry of the Kurdistan Region also confirmed that no restrictions have been imposed on travel or commercial exchange, either domestically or internationally, due to the virus.

The ministry stressed the importance of following public health guidelines, maintaining household hygiene, and avoiding direct contact with rodents.

According to reports by the World Health Organization, between 10,000 and more than 100,000 cases of Hantavirus are expected to occur annually worldwide.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, severe fatigue, headaches, abdominal and muscle pain, vomiting, and, in severe cases, coughing and shortness of breath. Mortality rates range between 20% and 50%.

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