Pindi reports suspected Congo virus case

Doctors say Chakwal resident displaying Congo virus symptoms

RAWALPINDI:

A 32-year-old man has been admitted to the isolation ward of Benazir Bhutto General Hospital (BBH) in Rawalpindi with symptoms of the Congo virus.

Saddam, a resident of Chakwal, was transferred to the hospital on Monday after suffering from a high fever for the past two months. Medical Superintendent Dr Tahir Rizvi confirmed that the patient's treatment has commenced under complete SOPs, and samples have been taken to determine if he has dengue or Congo virus.

The dengue test will be conducted at BBH, while the sample for the Congo virus has been sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH) for confirmation. He said Saddam was also experiencing nosebleeds and other symptoms associated with the Congo virus.

In related incidents, a man named Imran from Hazro Tehsil, Attock District, was brought to BBH on May 1 with Congo virus symptoms. NIH confirmed his diagnosis, and he died on May 3 while receiving treatment. Similarly, Khairan from Jhand Tehsil was admitted with Congo virus symptoms and passed away on May 18 after NIH confirmed her condition.

Additionally, a patient named Shahzeb from the Fateh Jang area of Attock District was admitted on May 23 with symptoms of the Congo virus. Despite nosebleeds and other symptoms, his test results from NIH were negative, and his condition has since improved.

Dr Rizvi emphasised that the hospital has dedicated wards and SOPs for managing dengue and other infectious diseases. Currently, no dengue patients are being treated at the hospital.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2024.