Deadly disease: Congo virus claims first life in twin cities

Abdul Razzaq, 65, died at Holy Family Hospital on Wednesday.

RAWALPINDI:

A man who died three days back at Holy Family Hospital (HFH) was confirmed to have been infected with Congo fever virus on Saturday.

Abdul Razzaq, 65, was shifted to HFH from Choha Syedan Shah, Chakwal, on August 2 with high fever and pain in his body.

The doctors shifted him to an isolated ward, fearing he was suffering from Congo fever and his blood samples were sent to the National Institute of Health for confirmation. On August 29, Razzaq passed away and his body was taken to Chakwal for burial.

Two days later, the doctors received his reports, which confirmed that the patient had been infected by the virus. Following the news, the hospital administration has decided to carry out medical tests of doctors and staff members who attended Razzaq.

HFH Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Javaid Hayat confirmed the report to The Express Tribune, adding that the blood tests of three doctors and nursing staff would be conducted on Monday.

Explaining the symptoms and causes of the deadly disease, he said patients usually complain of high fever, body pains and blood coming out from gums, nose and other parts of the body. “If diagnosed at an early stage and treated properly, they can easily survive it,” he explained.

Dr Hayat said the virus is transferred when a person is bit by a tick that is usually found on the skin of cows and buffaloes. The bitten man can transfer the virus to others through his blood.

According to the doctor, the hospital has received two Congo cases in the past two years. Dr Hayat, who is also the focal person for dengue fever at  the three allied hospitals, said 84 dengue suspects have been received at HFH this year but none of them have been confirmed so far.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2012.