‘Stringent steps needed to control Congo virus’

Schools to hold zero period to raise awareness regarding the virus


Our Correspondent August 22, 2016
Schools to hold zero period to raise awareness regarding the virus. PHOTO: FILE

LAHORE: Public schools are to hold a zero period to inform students about precautionary measures against Congo virus, Adviser to Chief Minister on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique said at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Dengue at the Civil Secretariat on Monday. “Information regarding Congo virus and its symptoms should reach every household in the province.”

Medical experts at the meeting said early diagnosis of Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) was crucial for successful treatment. The participants decided that all hospitals would be required to record details of patients visiting hospitals with symptoms similar to those of Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Fever. They decided that hospitals would be required to conduct blood tests of patients who had been in contact with cattle farmers or handlers. SOPs pertaining to suspected CCHF patients would be implemented.

Centre for Disease Control Director Asim said doctors at teaching hospitals in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and Bahawalpur would undergo case management training for CCHF patients. He said members of rapid response teams would also attend the trainings.

Rafique said CCHF case management in Turkey, where there was a high CCHF incidence, was excellent. He said public health experts from Turkey had visited Lahore last week to share their experience and knowledge regarding CCHF patients’ case management.

Primary and Secondary Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan said the local government and the Livestock Department had been asked to take strict precautionary measures to control vector-borne diseases at cattle markets.

Lahore DCO Muhammad Usman said that the city government had taken stringent measures at cattle sales points. All animals are sprayed with medicine to eliminate ticks. He said this would continue till Eidul Azha. He stressed the need to raise awareness regarding CCHF among butchers, cattle farmers, cattle handlers and people in proximity with animals.

The participants discussed progress on steps taken to eliminate dengue mosquito.

The participants were told that Town Emergency Response Committees met regularly to discuss progress and plans in this regard. Health Services DG Mukhtar Hussain Syed said sufficient quantity of larvacide used for fogging was available in all districts. He said additional stocks were available.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23rd, 2016.

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