BAGHDAD (Xinhua) – The death toll of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Iraq has risen to 30, with a total of 231 cases recorded nationwide since the beginning of this year, the Iraqi Health Ministry announced on Monday.

Ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr said in a statement that the southern province of Dhi Qar recorded the highest number of infections, with 84 cases and four deaths, followed by Baghdad with 38 cases and six deaths. The latest update marks an increase from the figures announced by Iraqi health authorities on June 12, which stood at 123 cases and 19 deaths. Al-Badr recommended that citizens purchase meat from health-approved slaughterhouses, store meat at very low freezing temperatures, and ensure that it is cooked at high temperatures to eliminate pathogens.