Naegleria, Congo viruses claim two more lives
As many as 36 cases of Congo virus have been reported this year and 17 people have died due to it
Representational Image of Congo Virus (PHOTO: FILE)
KARACHI:
Two more patients have fallen prey to Congo and Naegleria Fowleri virus in Karachi.
Akbar Asad, 26, who was diagnosed with Naegleria, died during treatment at the Aga Khan University Hospital, causing the number of deaths caused by the brain-eating amoeba to 14 in the current year.
According to medical experts, Naegleria has no cure and the only way to guarantee protection against the deadly organism is through the adoption of preventive measures. These measures include using chlorinated water in accordance with the international standards, using boiled water for drinking, ablution and regularly cleaning water tanks.
Congo
Congo death toll in the current year has also increased to 17, with the death of 54-year-old Habib Khan, a resident of Lyari, during treatment at a private hospital.
According to Sindh Health Department, a total of 36 cases of Congo virus have been reported this year and 17 people have died due to Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, so far. In comparison, last year, 41 cases of Congo virus were reported and the deadly virus had claimed 16 lives in Karachi.
Medical experts say that the virus is carried by ticks that inhabit the skin of various animals and is transmitted to the human body via tick bites. They also advise avoiding going near animals and using gloves while touching animals to avoid contracting the virus.
Symptoms of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever include high fever, backache, muscle and neck pain, nausea, swollen throat and red marks on the body.
There is no vaccine at present to provide protection against the disease but taking precautionary measures and immediate treatment can help save lives threatened by the Congo virus.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2019.
Two more patients have fallen prey to Congo and Naegleria Fowleri virus in Karachi.
Akbar Asad, 26, who was diagnosed with Naegleria, died during treatment at the Aga Khan University Hospital, causing the number of deaths caused by the brain-eating amoeba to 14 in the current year.
According to medical experts, Naegleria has no cure and the only way to guarantee protection against the deadly organism is through the adoption of preventive measures. These measures include using chlorinated water in accordance with the international standards, using boiled water for drinking, ablution and regularly cleaning water tanks.
Congo
Congo death toll in the current year has also increased to 17, with the death of 54-year-old Habib Khan, a resident of Lyari, during treatment at a private hospital.
According to Sindh Health Department, a total of 36 cases of Congo virus have been reported this year and 17 people have died due to Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, so far. In comparison, last year, 41 cases of Congo virus were reported and the deadly virus had claimed 16 lives in Karachi.
Medical experts say that the virus is carried by ticks that inhabit the skin of various animals and is transmitted to the human body via tick bites. They also advise avoiding going near animals and using gloves while touching animals to avoid contracting the virus.
Symptoms of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever include high fever, backache, muscle and neck pain, nausea, swollen throat and red marks on the body.
There is no vaccine at present to provide protection against the disease but taking precautionary measures and immediate treatment can help save lives threatened by the Congo virus.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2019.