Congo virus cases spike in Karachi

KARACHI: Karachi is experiencing an uptick in Congo virus cases, with the most recent case involving a 32-year-old man in severe condition at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC).

The patient was employed as a butcher and initially sought treatment at Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi earlier this week. Due to worsening symptoms including fever and gastrointestinal distress, he was transferred to JPMC.

Read more: Congo Virus: Livestock emergency imposed in Attock

The Deputy Executive Director at JPMC reported that the patient’s condition has worsened, necessitating his relocation to the Sindh Infectious Disease Hospital and Research Centre for specialised care.

The Congo virus, formally identified as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), primarily spreads through tick bites or contact with contaminated animal tissues. It has a high fatality rate, reaching up to 40 per cent.

There is no available vaccine for CCHF in humans or animals.

The recent case brings the total number of Congo virus cases in Karachi to four for the month of August alone. Overall, five cases have been documented in the city within the first two weeks of August. The Sindh Health Department has indicated that out of the four cases treated in Karachi hospitals, three have been fatal.

Meanwhile, four cases were reported in Balochistan.

The increasing incidence of Congo virus in Karachi and nearby regions raised alarm among health officials. Known for its high mortality rate, the virus can spread from animals to humans and even person to person.

Healthcare professionals are advising heightened awareness and immediate medical evaluation for people exhibiting symptoms of CCHF. These include fever, severe headaches, and bleeding.

Read more: Another Congo virus patient dies in Pakistan

Authorities said they were closely monitoring the outbreak as they continue to manage and contain the spread.