Congo virus claims three lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Crimean-Congo virus outbreak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leaves three dead

PESHAWAR: Three people have died from the deadly Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a confirmation from provincial health adviser Ikhtisham Ali.

The adviser stated that two of the fatalities occurred at Hayatabad Medical Complex, involving a 28-year-old man named Azaaz and a 70-year-old man, Shafiullah, both of whom passed away last night due to complications from the virus.

“These deaths were the result of negligence during Eid festivities,” said Ikhtisham Ali.

He urged the public to follow strict preventive measures and maintain vigilance, especially in the aftermath of livestock-related activities during Eid.

Government launches outbreak response

The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System (IDSRS), under the public health department, has been activated to track and manage the spread of the Congo virus in the province.

Related story: Second Congo virus death confirmed in Karachi this month

According to the adviser:

• District Health Officers (DHOs) have been alerted
• Contact Tracing is underway
• Sanitization of affected households has begun

The health department is monitoring the situation closely and is urging citizens to:

• Avoid contact with animals without proper protection
• Immediately report symptoms such as high fever, body aches, or bleeding
• Refrain from home slaughtering or handling livestock without gloves and protective gear

Congo virus, transmitted through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood, is highly contagious and often fatal. Health experts emphasize that timely diagnosis and isolation are key to preventing further loss of life.

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