Congo virus remains vicious threat ahead of Eidul Azha

Locals seem largely unaffected by warning of medical experts

LAHORE: Like the years before, people are likely to suffer from Congo virus in 2017 if they do not adopt precautionary measures during Eidul Azha, Experts say that it is a pity that some people are taking the disease lightly.

“I know about the Congo virus, but the act of sacrificing animals has God’s blessings. I don’t think much about the disease,” said Mauhammad Rabi, who was taking care of his cow outside his house in Faisal Town.  “Everything happens with the permission of God.”



He pointed out at his cow which looked healthy and said “I have been sacrificing animals since my childhood and the threat of Congo virus has always been there. God will protect me on this Eidul Azha too,” he added.

During a visit to different sacrificial markets, The Express Tribune asked people about Congo virus and most people were aware of it. At the same time, locals were in no mood to take precautionary measures to prevent the deadly disease.

Health authorities,, in collaboration with the livestock department, set up medical camps in all sacrificial animal markets to ensure if the animals were healthy.

Talking to The Express Tribune, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Dr Talat Naseer Pasha said the government had already set up a web portal to create awareness among the masses. “Sacrifice is a religious obligation for all Muslims, but they should also take care of themselves while handling and slaughtering animals,” he said.



Lahore General Hospital Principal Professor Ghiasun Nabi Tayyab said that Congo fever is a fatal disease, but can be avoided by taking precautionary measures. “No vaccine has been made so far to treat the fever, thus we should all be very careful.”

He said that ticks live in the blood of these animals which can transfer to human beings through physical contact.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31^st, 2017.