Quetta doctor dies of Congo fever in Karachi

Sindh issues advisory to hospitals; Balochistan red alert

KARACHI:

One doctor of the eight hospital staffers of Quetta, who were infected with the life-threating Congo virus and admitted to a hospital in Karachi for treatment, died on Sunday, prompting the Sindh Health Department to issue an advisory alert to all hospitals and the Balochistan government a red alert across the province.

Through the advisory, small and large hospitals across Sindh had been instructed to take precautionary measures against the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever immediately.

According to sources in the health department, Dr Shukarullah was diagnosed with the Congo virus three days ago and admitted to a hospital in Karachi where he died.

Dr Shukarullah had been serving at the Quetta Civil Hospital. He was among eight staff members, including five doctors, of the hospital who had been diagnosed with the virus.

An Aga Khan Hospital spokesperson said the patients infected with the Congo virus had been transferred to the intensive care unit, where all the staff had been instructed regarding safety measures.

On Oct 17, a new case of the Congo virus emerged in Quetta, taking the total cases for the year to 42. The virus was detected in a 35-year-old woman who was admitted to the Fatima Jinnah Hospital.

The Balochistan Health Department had sent the samples of the affected patients to the National Institute of Health.

On Sunday, the Sindh Health Department claimed that no case of Congo fever had been reported in Karachi, but a Congo control cell was being set up.

The sources said it was rare that the patients infected with Congo virus had been reported in Quetta at a time when the virus did not have its season. “Congo virus is normally reported on the occasion of Eidul Azha, which is caused by the bite of tick fund on animal skin.”

“Healthcare workers and the public should take precautionary measures to prevent the Congo virus,” the health department stated, calling for immediately isolating suspected or confirmed cases.

It said that infection control measures necessary to prevent the spread of the disease should be put in place, directing to ensure that healthcare workers had appropriate personal protective equipment such as gowns, gloves, masks, and eye protection when dealing with suspected or confirmed cases.

It directed all hospitals across the province to implement strict infection control measures, including appropriate disinfection and sterilisation procedures, and adopt standard precautions for handling blood and body fluids.

“Establish protocols for decontamination. Establish and implement a triage system to isolate and prioritise patients. Identify and monitor individuals who have been in contact with suspected or confirmed cases for symptoms.”

It also called for designating a focal person to whom a suspected or confirmed case could be reported and share the contact details.

Further, caretaker Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki expressed his condolences to the family of Dr Shukarullah.

CM Domki said that three doctors, one consultant, a staff nurse and two paramedical staff were transferred to Karachi for treatment by air ambulance.

He said the treatment of doctors and medical assistants affected by the virus was ongoing at the Aga Khan Hospital at the expense of the Balochistan government.

He also directed to implement Standard Operating Procedures at all civil hospitals and other medical institutions.
“A special ward has been set up in Quetta for all suspected virus-infected persons for the provision of better treatment facilities.”

(With input from APP)