Congo Virus Outbreak Sparks Concern in Pakistan

Two patients affected by the Congo virus have been admitted to Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar, highlighting the risks of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Pakistan, a potentially fatal viral disease caused by the Nairovirus.

The patients, a 28-year-old man from Karak named Aijaz and a 23-year-old man also from Karak named Safiyan, were brought to the hospital on June 14 and 15 respectively, and after receiving medical treatment, both patients are now stable and no longer in critical condition. The patients work in animal care and the hospital spokesperson has confirmed that the risk of disease transmission is associated with their occupation.

This incident comes as a reminder of the risks of CCHF in Pakistan, which has a 10-40% case fatality rate and no vaccine is available. The disease is primarily transmitted through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues. Sindh reported its first death of the year from Congo fever, a 42-year-old man in Karachi died after being diagnosed with the disease on June 16.

The Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), also known as Congo Virus, can spread via human-to-human transmission and symptoms include fever, muscle ache, dizziness, and sensitivity to light. This is the first reported case of Congo fever in Karachi, and a 22-year-old animal handler from North Waziristan also died of the disease in Peshawar on Tuesday.

The recent cases of Congo virus in Pakistan highlight the need for increased awareness and precautions to prevent the spread of the disease, particularly among those working in animal care and handling. The government and health authorities must take immediate action to educate the public and provide necessary medical care to those affected.