Toll rises to 10 as Congo virus claims another life in Karachi

KARACHI: A 25-year-old man lost his life battling the deadly Congo virus in Karachi, taking the death toll linked to the disease in Pakistan to 10 this year, ARY News reported on Monday.

According to details, a 25-year-old named Haider, who was tested positive for the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) two days ago lost his life in the city’s Jinnah Hospital today.

Executive Director, JPMC, Dr. Seemi Jamali told media that the man, a resident of Mehmoodabad was admitted two days ago. He was tested positive for the Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and immediately provided needed treatment. He, however, lost his life today, making it the 10th such case this year.

Out of the 10 cases of Congo virus reported this year, three are from Balochistan while the rest of the seven cases were reported from Karachi.

Congo Virus or Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick borne viral disease that infects wild and domestic animals, including livestock. Humans can contract this disease by getting bitten by an infected tick living on the host animal or coming into contact with the blood, tissues or fresh meat of the infected animal. Human-to-human transmission is also possible in case of close contact with the organs, blood or other secretions and bodily fluids of the infected person.

Congo virus does not survive high temperatures, and well-cooked meat helps to avoid any risk of transmission of the virus.