Congo virus: Second case of Congo virus surfaces from Hayatabad hospital

Khadija was admitted on May 5, her blood samples have been collected

PESHAWAR: A second case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever surfaced from Hayatabad Medical Complex on Saturday. The patient hailed from Afghanistan and travelled to the city for treatment.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, HMC public relations officer said 45-year-old Khadija was shifted to the facility on May 5. She said Khadija’s blood samples were collected and sent for further processing. The PRO said the patient is in stable condition.

According to officials, a large number of people cross the Pak-Afghan border because there are fewer health facilities offering treatment for Congo virus in Afghanistan.  He said Afghan nationals were offered free treatment.

A senior health officer told The Express Tribune, “These people are poor and seek free treatment against various illnesses. But [those who are] well-off opt for private facilities in Hayatabad.”

He added at least 25 patients were treated against Congo virus in 2015. According to the official, all of them were kept in isolated rooms. He said laboratory tests confirmed that dozens were infected by the virus.

Earlier on April 27, a suspected Congo virus patient died at HMC. The patient was identified as 22-year-old Zeeshan, a resident of Bannu. He was admitted at the facility in a critical condition on April 24 and was reported to have symptoms of the fever.

The administration obtained Zeeshan’s blood samples and had sent them to National Institute of Health in Islamabad for further processing. However, officials said Zeeshan died at the facility before the hospital management could receive the lab results.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 8^th, 2016.