Third ‘Congo virus’ case reported in Attock

Authorities confirm presence of virus in first two patients after their deaths

RAWALPINDI:

The third suspected case of the Congo virus has been reported in Attock in a month. In the first two cases, the Congo virus was confirmed after the death of patients.

Following the instructions of the Rawalpindi Commissioner, Benazir Bhutto Hospital has been put on high alert and arrangements for keeping Congo virus patients in isolation have been completed. According to the hospital’s administration, the third Congo patient is being treated in the hospital and the district administration has already been informed about the presence of a Congo virus patient.

Patient Imran, who belongs to Hazro tehsil, has been shifted to the isolation ward. His blood samples have been obtained and will be sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH). The hospital administration says that the report of the patient will be received in the next 24 hours.

This month, two patients from Attock suffering from the Congo virus died during treatment as blood samples from deceased patients were reported as positive. Shahzeb belonged to Tehsil Fateh Jang and Khair Khanum belonged to Tehsil Jund.

District Health Office Attock officials say the death of two people due to the Congo virus has been confirmed. They are taking steps to prevent the Congo Virus from spreading. It has not yet been decided whether to establish cattle markets for Eidul Azha.

Meanwhile, instructions have been issued to all the doctors and staff of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Benazir Bhutto Hospital to take immediate precautionary measures. SOPs have been issued for the Congo virus patients and their families. During the treatment of the Congo virus patients, disinfectants are being sprayed to prevent the spread of the virus. Additional kits and hand sanitisers have been installed in the hospital for the convenience and protection of doctors and paramedical staff.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2024.