Hidden danger: Health experts warn of Congo from cattle

Doctors recommend prior vaccination and the use of an antiseptic spray before animals are slaughtered

ISLAMABAD: Even as residents flock to cattle markets  — official and unofficial —  health experts on Sunday warned that unless preventive measures are not put in place, the Congo fever could become a grave concern with the arrival of sacrificial animals in the urban centres for Eidul Azha.

Dr Ikramul Haq, a public health specialist, said that the Congo fever could become a serious problem if preventive measure is not taken.

He recommended prior vaccination and the use of an antiseptic spray before animals are slaughtered to control the spread of the virus.

Dr Haq advised people to use protective equipment such as gloves and masks while handling sacrificial animals.

“All the buyers and the butchers should adopt preventive measures during their purchase of animals. Cover your bodies and make sure there is no exposure during the visit to the cattle markets,” he advised.

"The government should set up veterinary camps in every sacrificial market to examine the animals and educate the buyers, as well as put up posters and give out flyers with precautionary measures at commercial hubs," Dr Haq said.

He said a human could be infected if blood or a tissue from an infected animal came into contact with his cuts, grazed on the skin, or was splashed onto his eyes, nose or mouth.

Health experts said most people were not aware of the hazard of being bitten by ticks.

These ticks, they said, are found in the scalp and between toes of Congo fever patients.

The virus is spread via a tick found on the skin of animals.

Since most animals have thick coats of hair, there is a chance they are infested with ticks, so he emphasised that buyers remain cautious and alert while making their purchase at the cattle market.

They also urged doctors, paramedical staff, nurses and laboratory technicians to always use personal protective equipment (EPP) while dealing with the patients of the Congo virus, as well as their blood samples and tissues.

"The large-scale screening of the animals and their premises (sheds) should be done to check the livestock for ticks, specifically the presence of Hyalomma in other areas of Punjab as well," experts recommended.

To reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission, they warned against close physical contact with infected people and suggests the use of gloves and other protective gear when taking care of sick people, and "washing hands regularly after caring for or visiting ill people," Dr Haq highlighted.

Health experts suggest that a person must visit the nearest hospital immediately after developing any signs and symptoms of the infection.

He also stated that media has played an important role by raising public awareness about the disease and importance of vaccination to prevent the disease.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2018.