This serious virus is spreading in Pakistan, the government of Pakistan announced an alert before Bakrid, will the epidemic start again?

Preparations for Eid-ul-Azha are going on all over the world. But before Bakreid there is a threat of dangerous virus in Pakistan. Its name is Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. It is also called Congo virus. The country's National Institute of Health has also issued an advisory for citizens on protection against the virus. Let us know what Congo fever is and why it becomes a headache for Pakistan every year.

CCFH is a viral fever caused by a tick-borne norovirus (related to spiders). Last year also an outbreak of Congo virus was seen in Pakistan. In 2023, 101 cases of this fever were reported in Pakistan, of which a quarter died. Currently there is no cure or vaccine for this disease.

What is Congo fever, how does the virus spread?

CCHF is considered a serious global health threat. Its cases have been reported in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. CCHF was first reported in Crimea in 1944. It was then named Crimean hemorrhagic fever. Then a similar disease was reported in the Congo in the late 1960s. It was later renamed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

Congo virus is transmitted to humans by ticks (parasites) called humerals that attach to the skin of animals. The virus is transmitted to humans through tick bites or contact with the blood of an infected animal. The virus spreads rapidly through sheep and goats. According to the advisory issued, the virus can spread from person to person through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person.

How strong is Congo virus in Pakistan?

Pakistan has the fourth highest number of reported cases of Congo virus in Asia. It is followed by Turkey, Russia and Iran. Pakistan had its first outbreak of CCHF in 1976. Since then, a small number of cases have been reported. Improper animal husbandry practices in rural areas of the country are considered to be the main reason for the spread of the disease.

What is the connection of Congo virus with Eid ul Azha?

The Islamabad-based National Institute of Health has warned that there is a higher risk of Congo virus spreading on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. The advisory reads, 'Due to the upcoming Eid al-Adha, there has been an increase in movement of animals from all provinces, leading to increased contact between the general public and animals. This has increased the risk of Congo fever spreading.

What advice is given to avoid the virus?

As there is no vaccine for this virus, people are advised not to go to risk areas with caution. The advisory says to wear full sleeves and light colored clothing. Ticks are easily visible by wearing light colored clothing. Apart from this, it is advised to apply insect repellent creams.