Upsurge of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever During Eid-Al-Adha Period 2023 in Iraq

Abstract

Background: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease. It has a case fatality rate of up to 40%. Animal sacrifices during the Eid-Al-Adha period are a common religious tradition in the country. Since 2021, Iraq has been plagued by a continuous epidemic. Objectives: To investigate the upsurge of CCHF cases during the Eid-Al-Adha period in 2023 and determine the times of high incidence and related risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data derived from the Communicable Disease Control Center in Iraq during the period from June 19 to July 30, 2023, and included all laboratory-confirmed cases during the study period. The studied variables were categorized according to before, during and after the Eid period. The chi-square test and regression analysis were used to analyze the variables. Results: CCHF cases increased during the Eid period (118, compared to 63 before and 23 after). Slaughtering activities during the Eid period increased by more than 45%. Being a butcher and participating in slaughtering activities significantly contributed to the increase in cases during the Eid period. The only significant predictor identified was the presence of slaughtering activities before and after Eid, compared to the Eid period itself. Conclusions: CCHF cases increased during the Eid-Al-Adha period, which may be due to animal sacrifice activities during this Islamic festival.