Experts warn against looming risk of Congo virus

Speakers urge public to make sure their cattles are tick-free

LAHORE:

Public health experts have warned of the risk of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV), which had increased. This was expressed by the experts, in an awareness seminar on Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, organised by the Institute of Public Health (IPH) on Friday.

The participants of seminar were informed about the symptoms of Crimean Congo fever, precautionary measures and protective measures for doctors and nurses treating infected patients in the hospital.

The experts urged the people to make sure that when buying sacrificial animals, there would be no ticks on the animals’ bodies, as tick bites transmit the disease.

The experts said if the blood of an animal infected with Congo virus is mixed with a wound on a person's body, the virus could be transmitted. It is imperative to be very careful when slaughtering animals, as accidental cuts with a knife could cause infection.

Medical experts outlined that the symptoms of Congo virus are very similar to dengue, but Congo virus is very dangerous as it starts bleeding at very initial stages.

Dr Sobia Qazi said if any patient came to the hospital infected with Congo virus, the doctors, nurses and other staff should treat the patient wearing full protective kit to avoid contracting the deadly virus. She added that the affected patient should be quarantined and all standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be strictly followed during treatment.

Dr Saima Ayub said by using disposable gloves while washing the meat and by cooking it well, there was no risk of Congo fever and fully cooked meat was completely healthy.

She added that it was also the responsibility of animal keepers and handlers to apply anti-tick spray to the animal's body, so that ticks might not stick to the skin of the animals.

Acting Dean IPH said that the Institute of Public Health would continue to play its role in raising awareness about public health issues.

Prof of Infectious Diseases Dr Sobia Qazi, Acting Dean IPH Dr Saima Ayub and Senior Entomologist Asif Mehmood delivered lectures in the seminar. The seminar was attended by doctors and other staff of the institute.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9^th, 2022.