Raising eyebrows: Second case of congo virus confirmed from Rawalpindi

Patient is a butcher who is also associated with the leather business.

ISLAMABAD:

The second case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) from Rawalpindi was confirmed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned against the increase in CCHF cases this year if precautionary measures are not taken before Eidul Azha.

This year, 38 confirmed cases of CCHF have been reported from across the country and more are expected after Eidul Azha, according to WHO. Out of these 38 cases, 14 deaths have been reported so far.

This is the first time in eight years that there has been such an increase in the number of CCHF cases in the country.

According to the NIH, the case is from Choa Saidan Shah in Chakwal district from where a previous CCHF case was reported which resulted in the patient’s death.

Imtiaz, 45, was brought to the Holy Family Hospital (HFH) Rawalpindi on September 27, with high-grade fever. His test samples were sent to NIH where it was confirmed that he was infected with the deadly disease.

Talking to The Express Tribune, HFH Deputy Medical Superintendent (DMS) Dr Javed Hayat said the latest patient is a butcher and is also associated with the leather business. He said his condition was stable and he would soon be discharged.

Dr Hayat said Abdul Razzaq, 65, who was brought earlier to HFH, failed to survive because of massive blood loss. He was also associated with the leather business.

Talking to The Express Tribune, WHO Focal Person for Vector Control, Dr Qutbuddin Kakar said there were chances of an increase in CCHF cases in the country, particularly in high-risk areas, if precautionary measures were not taken to deal with the influx of sacrificial animals in urban areas. Animals from endemic areas like Balochistan should be properly de-ticked before they are moved to from one place to other.

“Considering the recent situation of CCHF cases in Pakistan, we are expecting more cases aftre Eid ul Azha,” he said. Currently, lack of awareness is a major hurdle in combating the disease, Dr Kakar added.

People should take precautionary measures while slaughtering sacrificial animals like wearing gloves, properly covering their face, especially eyes and mouth. Those who come into contact with newly-skinned animal hides should also take safety measures.

Patients infected with the virus should be quarantined to prevent its spread through his secretions.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2012.