Research and analysis

Outbreaks under monitoring: week 16 (week ending 19 April 2026)

Updated 23 April 2026

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Disease or pathogen Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever (CCHF)
Location Iraq
Status New
Reporting date 19 April 2026
Summary On 19 April 2026, media reported (in Arabic) 9 confirmed human cases of CCHF, including 2 deaths, in Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Media reports that the cases occurred among individuals exposed to animal slaughterhouses.

CCHF has been reported sporadically in Iraq since 1979. However, according to the World Health Organization, an increase in cases has been observed in recent years due to increased human-animal interactions, climate change, and changes in agricultural practices. In 2025, 247 cases were reported nationally, of which 96 cases were reported in Dhi Qar Governorate.

CCHF is not present in the UK, nor are there any identified established populations of Hyalomma ticks, the principal vectors of CCHF virus. Confirmed CCHF cases have been imported into the UK, including one fatal case in 2012 and one in 2014.
Further information Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever: origins, reservoirs, transmission and guidelines
HAIRS risk assessment: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
NaTHNaC country information page: Iraq
Disease or pathogen Mpox
Location Colombia and Denmark
Status New
Reporting date 17 - 18 April 2026
Summary On 17 April 2026, the Statens Serum Institut reported the first confirmed case of clade Ib mpox in Denmark. The case likely acquired infection through sexual contact while abroad. According to health authorities, this does not change the overall risk of infection in Denmark, which remains very low.

On 18 April 2026, Colombia’s Ministry of Health (in Spanish) reported the country’s first detection of clade Ib mpox in Antioquia. The press release does not specify if the case had a travel history. There is no evidence of community transmission, and no additional cases have been identified. In response, health authorities have commenced epidemiological investigations and contact tracing.

In the UK, cases of clade Ib and IIb mpox continue to be reported. Up to 31 March 2026, 45 clade Ib mpox cases have been reported, most of which have direct or indirect travel links to countries where clade Ib mpox is circulating.
Further information Mpox: guidance
Mpox clade Ib and clade IIb outbreak: epidemiological overview
NaTHNaC country information page: Colombia and Denmark
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