Another epidemic: Health Dept to take measures to curb Congo fever

The fever is caused by tick bites from goats, sheep and is communicable.

LAHORE:

Adviser to Chief Minister on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique said on Wednesday an awareness campaign on prevention against Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever would be launched for cattle farmers, cattle dealers, butchers and medical staff of hospitals treating Congo fever patients.

He directed the health services director general to ensure provision of personal protection kits to doctors, nurses and hospital staff.

He was presiding over a meeting to review arrangements for prevention and control of a possible outbreak of Congo virus in spring and around the dates of Eidul Azha.

The meeting was informed that Congo fever in humans was caused by tick bites from goats, sheep and cattle.

The meeting was informed that Congo fever was a fatal disease.

Officials at the meeting said 13 cases of Congo fever had been reported from Mianwali, Chakwal, Rawalpindi, Jhang and Multan this year.

Officials of Livestock and Dairy Development Department said mass transportation of cattle on Eidul Azha, chances of a Congo fever outbreak were high.

They said preventive measures should be adopted and awareness about the viral among was essential for people who handled animals.

Dr Islam Zafar said symptoms of Congo fever was similar to dengue fever. He said both were hemorrhagic fevers but dengue was not transferable from person to person whereas Congo virus was transmittable among humans.

Rafique said seminars should be organised in affected districts with the help of DCOs for awareness of butchers, animal dealers and shepherds.

He said training sessions should be held for doctors, nurses and paramedics for treatment of Congo fever patients. He said provision of protection kits to doctors must be ensured.

Health Department Director General Zahid Pervaiz, Additional Secretary (Tech) Dr Salman Shahid, IPH Dean Moaz Ahmad, Punjab Chief Bacteriologist Dr Zarfishan Tahir, Dr Jamshed of World Health Organisation, CDC Director Dr Ahmad Afifi, Epidemic Emergency and Response Additional Director General Dr Islam Zafar and senior officers of Livestock and Dairy Development attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2014.