PMA warns people against Congo, LSD viruses

Issues guidelines to avoid contact with infected animals, people

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has warned public across the country to be vigilant regarding Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in animals. These cases can go high as Eid-ul-Azha is around the corner and people may be at risk while getting in contact with sacrificial animals.

PMA feels its responsibility to guide people about safety measures to avoid the risk of Congo Virus. It is spread by the bite of ticks, exposure to blood or tissues during or immediately after slaughtering an infected animal, close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. People like animal herders, butchers, people in contact with livestock specially the infected ones are more at risk.

While purchasing or handling animals, one should wear light colored full sleeved cloths and shoes with socks. Apply insect repellent on the exposed areas of the body. Inspect yourself for ticks and take bath when return home. During the slaughtering of animal, wear gloves and facemask. Hands must always be washed immediately after removing gloves, keep animal pelt separately in plastic sheets as they may have ticks. Do not dispose of waste or blood on the street. Avoid contact with infected people.

In case of high fever, muscle aches, backache, headache, vomiting, severe bruising and nose bleeds immediately see the physician.

The virus has no vaccine and beginning can be rapid, causing severe bleeding both internally and externally and especially from the nose.

It causes death in as many as two in five cases, according to medics.

The other threat during these days is the presence of Lumpy Skin Disease. PMA warns public to avoid going closer to the animals with LSD and evade buying sick animals for sacrifice. Try to buy the animals during daytime to avoid buying sick and defective animals.

The PMA has urged the government to issue orders to screen all animals at the entry point and allow only healthy animals to enter the local market to save the lives and health of the people.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2022.