Another Congo virus patient dies in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Another patient has succumbed to the Congo virus in Peshawar, taking the total death toll to three in Pakistan, sources in the National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed on Sunday.

The 18-year-old patient, reported from the Padang area of Charsadda on May 14, died in Peshawar on May 19 while undergoing treatment at Khyber Teaching Hospital, the sources said.

Admitted on May 17, the patient’s diagnosis was confirmed on May 18 by the Public Health Reference Lab in Peshawar. The patient had traveled to Lahore for shopping seven days prior to symptom onset.

Earlier, Benazir Bhutto Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Tahir Rizvi told Urdu News that three suspected Congo virus patients were admitted to the hospital. Two of the patients, confirmed to have the virus, died during treatment, he said, adding that the third patient tested negative and was receiving standard care.

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Dr Rizvi said that on May 1, a suspected Congo virus patient from the Hazro area of Attock, Muhammad Imran, was admitted. Imran, a butcher, exhibited symptoms and NIH confirmed the diagnosis. After five days of illness, he died shortly after hospital admission due to delayed arrival.

Another patient from Jand Tehsil of Attock was referred the hospital on May 15. Despite treatment according to Congo virus protocols and NIH confirmation, the patient succumbed on the third day, Dr Rizvi said.

He said that the third suspected patient, 19-year-old Shahzeb, also displayed symptoms but tested negative for the virus and is now in stable condition.

Dr Rizvi emphasized that healthcare staff have received special training to manage Congo virus cases, particularly in the lead-up to Eidul Azha.

He said that suspected patients are isolated, and medical personnel use strict precautions.

With the approach of Eidul Azha, the risk of Congo virus transmission escalates due to increased interactions in cattle markets.

The NIH has advised the public to exercise caution when purchasing livestock, and traders have been urged to adhere to preventive measures.

According to NIH focal person Dr Mumtaz, the confirmed cases originated from Punjab, with two diagnosed in Rawalpindi and one in Peshawar. He noted that Congo virus cases typically rise post-Eidul Azha.