Quetta: Another patient suspected of hosting Congo virus passed away at Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital this Saturday.
A patient named Shah Jahan, who belonged to the Duki area of Loralai District, was admitted to the Hospital on suspicion of carrying the Congo virus and was under treatment accordingly. The doctor in-charge of the patient at Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital’s isolation told the media that the condition of the patient was critical from the minute he was brought in.He also added that whatever medical treatment they gave to the patient proved futile. The seriousness of his condition was shown by the fact that the doctors couldn’t even take a sample of his blood before his death.
In the year 2017 a total of 11 cases of Congo virus have been reported to the medical authorities. Out of these, 2 victims fell prey to the lethal virus and died whereas 4 patients fully recovered from their illness and five other suspects were discharged with no diagnosis of the illness
Congo virus – officially known as the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF)- is on the rise again in the rural areas of Northern Balochistan. This lethal disease is transmitted to humans through cows, sheep and other lifestock who serve as hosts for the virus and is transmitted via ticks or contact with blood from the host animal.
The doctors confirmed that the Congo virus is a reality in Pakistan and caution should be taken while handling, touching and sacrificing the affecteded animals. The doctors insisted that precautionary measures need to be taken like spraying livestock and other wild and domestic animals before things get out of hand.
Last year in 2016, 152 cases of congo virus were reported, out of which 50 patients were confirmed to be carrying this disease and 10 died from it.
The bont legged ticks – Hyalomma Ticks – are most dangerous and most active from March till October.
Moreover, it should be kept in mind that this virus can be transmitted through humans by close contact with blood, secretions or other bodily fluids of the infected person.
