Due to a large number of animals making their way to the cattle markets in Karachi, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) health department has issued a health advisory fearing the spread of Congo virus.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, KMC health director Dr Salma said that Congo virus wards have been established in all the hospitals of KMC and the staff have been trained on how to deal with the patients. She also advised people heading to the cattle markets to wear full-sleeved clothes, closed shoes with socks and carry their own water bottles with them.
“If you fine any small insect or ant-like creature on your body, don’t smash it,” she recommended. “Rather shrug it off gently.”
She also advised washing the sacrificial animals with bleached water or applying bleach paste on the animal’s skin. “This will kill the Congo insect.”
According to her, ticks are usually found near the animal’s ears or horns. A Congo awareness campaign has kicked off in all six districts and pamphlets have been distributed.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 13th, 2015.
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