Experts warn of Congo virus’ deadly consequences

Say people should be careful when touching sacrificial animals on Eidul Azha

LAHORE: Congo fever is a fatal disease and can only be avoided by adopting precautionary measures.

This was stated by Post Graduate Medical Institute Principal Prof Ghiasun Nabi Tayyab during a symposium to create awareness on Congo Crimean Haemorrhagic Fever, Professor Imran Hassan Khan, Professor Khalid Waheed, Dr Sadaf Munir and Dr Syed Razi Haider Zaidi also addressed and audience. They highlighted the complications of this virus and speakers suggested different precautionary steps to prevent this epidemic disease.



“No vaccine has been created thus far. We should all be very careful when purchasing sacrificial animals on Eidul Azha and ensure they do not have ticks in their hides,” the professor stressed.



He threw light on the need for timely treatment of Congo virus and the measures needed to prevent its spread. Medical experts, students, media persons, nursing students and the general public attended the symposium and expressed their interest in the seminar.

Professor Tayyab further said Congo fever was a disease growing on the skin of goats and other animals. He added it was more lethal than cancer. The professor stated that people should be careful when touching any animals which are likely to have ticks.

Ghias said Congo virus originated from Africa and resulted from ticks living in the skins of goats, cows, buffalos and camels.

“They live in the blood of these animals and can be transferred to human beings through touch,” he added.

He pointed out the symptoms of patients infected with Congo virus. Professor Tayyab pointed out that patients suffer from fever, hunger, weakness and swelling of the eyes, while their white cells decrease quickly and result in the death of patients. He said that Congo was a fast spreading disease all over the world, so it was necessary for locals to keep be careful.



While addressing the seminar, a medical expert said patients and their attendants should be careful and wear light colour dresses, gloves and masks after the virus is diagnosed. They suggested curbing ticks and spraying the area where animals were kept.

“Children should avoid touching these animals,” he warned.

“As Eidul Azha is around the corner, special measures should be taken to keep our surrounding clean,” he said. He said creating awareness among the general public on Congo virus is the need of the hour and people should adopt precautionary measures at large.

Speakers appreciated the holding of the seminar at the Lahore General Hospital and said the practice should continue at other medical facilities.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2017.