LAHORE: Congo virus is not too dangerous for the infected animals, as it can be cured through anti-biotic treatment at veterinary centres. However, it is more lethal when it is transmitted to human-beings, said the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Vice Chancellor Talat Naseer Pasha.
Talking to APP here on Monday, he said that the current hot and humid season is ideal for the virus to spread and precautionary measures should be adopted immediately.
He dispelled the impression that people should not touch the sacrificial animals or go near them to avoid Congo virus. He said that Congo virus transmits wound-to-wound and not by touching the infected animals. He appreciated the efforts of the Punjab government for on time spray in animal markets, particularly on the animals coming from other areas, which are comparatively more prone to the virus.
On the other hand, Post-graduate Medical Institute (PGMI) Principal Ghias-un-Nabi said that Congo virus is more lethal and dangerous than cancer and it grows in the skin of goats and other such animals. We must be very careful while dealing with sacrificial animals on Eid-ul-Azha occasion. Prof Ghias said that Congo virus is an inhabitant of African countries which spreads from ticks living in the skin of goats, cows, buffalos, and camels. These ticks live on the blood of these animals.
The Congo virus patients suffer from fever, hunger, weakness, and swelling of eyes. The patient can also develop white cells deficiency immediately and start bleeding, which may cause death. He said that Congo is a fast-spreading disease all-over the world and, therefore, we should be very careful about it.
