Two Congo virus cases admitted to Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar

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Two patients affected by the Congo virus have been admitted to Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawer with their condition reported to be out of danger.
According to the hospital spokesperson, 28-year-old Aijaz from Karak was brought to the hospital in critical condition on June 14. Another 23-year-old patient, Safiyan, also from Karak, was admitted on June 15.
After receiving medical treatment, both patients are now stable and no longer in critical condition.
The spokesperson added that both affected individuals work in animal care.
Read: Poliovirus detected in Hyderabad sample
In April, Pakistan's National Institute of Health (NIH) issued public health advisories regarding the risks of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and the increasing dangers of heatwaves and sunstroke, emphasising the growing climate-related challenges in the country.
The advisory urged healthcare institutions and authorities to implement timely and appropriate measures to prevent disease outbreaks during the summer months.
CCHF, a potentially fatal viral disease caused by the Nairovirus, was primarily transmitted to humans through tick bites, especially from infected livestock like goats, sheep, and rabbits.
The virus could also spread through direct contact with blood or tissues of infected animals, particularly during or after slaughter.
Human-to-human transmission was possible, especially in clinical or domestic settings. According to NIH data, Pakistan had reported 61 cases of CCHF in 2024.
The advisory recommended wearing light-coloured clothing to make ticks more visible and advised citizens to avoid areas with heavy tick infestations. It also encouraged the safe removal of any visible ticks from skin or clothing.

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