Risk of contagion: Fears of congo virus surge ahead of Eidul Azha

Unlike previous years when Eidul Azha was celebrated in Karachi with full zest and fervour, the festival will be marred with the presence of two potentially lethal viruses this year - Covid-19 and the congo virus.

While Covid-19 only reared its head earlier this year, the congo virus has been present in the country for the last 20 years, often resurfacing around Eidul Azha due to the sudden increase in the transportation and movement of cattle in every city and village.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Infection Control Society Pakistan president Dr Rafiq Khanani said that even though the congo virus did not spread rapidly, those who contracted it could face an imminent risk of death.

"The congo virus spreads through blood-sucking ticks that are stuck on animals' skin and can move from one carrier to another," he explained. "A person may contract the virus if bitten by an infected tick. Once the virus is transmitted to the human body, the victim experiences high fever and can also pass on the virus to a healthy person."

Owing to its dangerous nature, doctors who treat congo virus observe extreme caution by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

"The virus is in the blood and can be transmitted to other people even if slight carelessness is shown," said Dr Khanani.

Also known as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, the congo virus is commonly found in several African countries, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South America, but it has now spread to other parts of the world. A recent outbreak of the disease has also been reported in India and Pakistan.

The virus is spread by ticks that feed on wild and domestic animals. The ticks live on the skins of most sheep, goats, cows, buffaloes, and other livestock. Since it is transmitted to humans by touching an infected animal or person, the virus is regarded as highly contagious. While tests for congo virus may only be possible in a high-quality biosafety lab, various other tests can be conducted to diagnose the disease.

What are the symptoms?

According to doctors, five days after the virus enters the body, flu-like symptoms begin to appear, such as a mild fever, body-aches, headache, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, and other symptoms. An infected person may report a complete loss of appetite and weakness. The patient also develops small red rashes all over the body, blisters in the mouth, and bleeding gums.

After a day or two, the patient experiences bleeding from the nose and severe shortage of platelets in the body, which worsens the condition. The more the patient haemorrhages, the greater the risk of death.

According to experts, there is a need to keep cattle away from the population. Insecticides should be sprayed wherever animals are kept. If an animal is found to be infected, it should be put down or isolated immediately. Young children, women, and the elderly should not be taken to areas where animals are bought and sold.

The virus in 2019

Last year, five cases of congo virus were reported in Karachi, out of which three people succumbed to the disease. Two cases were also reported in Balochistan, out of which one patient passed away, while one patient was reported in Sehwan Sharif in Sindh, who also died. No cases were reported in Punjab, Azad Kashmir, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Even with the looming danger of the disease, Sindh faces an acute shortage of veterinarians due to which animals remain unprotected from various diseases.

Per Dr Khanani, only properly qualified vets can take care of animals and provide them with timely vaccines and medicines. In addition to a shortage of vets, the country as a whole also lacks a proper system for the registration of animals.

"In view of the shortage of veterinarians in the country, the federal government, as well as the provincial governments, have directed people to take precautionary measures against the congo virus during Eid," he said.