Congo virus claims three lives in K-P

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Adviser Ehtesham Ali has confirmed that three individuals have died from the Congo virus so far in the province, while one patient currently undergoing treatment at the hospital has tested positive. Additionally, six suspected patients are admitted and are undergoing diagnostic procedures.

He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives due to the Congo virus at Hayatabad Medical Complex.

According to the adviser, two of the deceased patients - both from Karak district - succumbed to the virus last night, while a third, hailing from North Waziristan, passed away on June 16. He attributed the recent outbreak to the lack of precautionary measures during Eid celebrations as animal markets had been established across the province.

Ehtesham Ali appealed to the public to strictly follow the health department's guidelines for Congo virus prevention and to exercise caution when handling livestock to avert further loss of life.

He further informed that the Department of Health has activated its Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system to monitor and respond to Congo virus cases promptly. District Health Officers (DHOs) in the affected areas have been notified, and contact tracing along with sanitization efforts are underway at the homes of the deceased to prevent the virus from spreading.

It may be recalled that last week, two patients affected by the Congo virus were admitted to HMC in Peshawar with their condition reported to be out of danger initially.

According to the hospital spokesperson, 28-year-old Aijaz from Karak was brought to the hospital in critical condition on June 14. Another 23-year-old patient, Safiyan, also from Karak, was admitted on June 15.

After receiving medical treatment, both patients are now stable and no longer in critical condition, he claimed.

The spokesperson added that both affected individuals work in animal care.

In April, Pakistan's National Institute of Health (NIH) issued public health advisories regarding the risks of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) .