ISLAMABAD: National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory regarding prevention and control of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) for upcoming Eidul Azha.

The objective of the advisory is to sensitize human and animal health care authorities to further strengthen and improve the level of preparedness in prevention and control of CCHF.

Congo virus is a tick-borne viral disease with symptoms such as high fever, muscle ache, dizziness, abnormal sensitivity to light, abdominal pain and vomiting.

Later on, sharp mood swings may occur, and the patient may become confused and aggressive. It may prove fatal if patient is not provided timely treatment.

Ticks, remain in the hairs of animal, can infect the animal by biting them due to which the saliva and blood of the animal is contaminated and people can be infected if they touch the saliva and blood of infected animals. Moreover, ticks can directly bite the human beings due to which virus can be transferred in people.

A large number of sacrificial animals come to urban areas on the occasion of Eidul Azha, and they are kept in the houses so those animals can become a source the disease.

In the wake of high disease transmission and risk due to anticipated increased human-animals interaction during upcoming Eidul Azha, it is imperative to be vigilant about the situation and take necessary steps to interrupt the transmission of Congo virus.

“The CCHF virus is transmitted to people either by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and immediately after slaughter. Transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected ticks or animal blood. CCHF can be transmitted from infected person to another person by contact with infectious blood, secretions, or body fluids,” the advisory stated.

Although Balochistan remained the most affected province in 2021, yet cases were reported from most parts of of the country. Balochistan had reported 19 suspected cases, out of which 14 were positive including five deaths in 2021. During 2022 till date, a total of four confirmed cases were reported (two cases each from Punjab and Sindh).

There is currently no vaccine available for human and the only way to reduce infection is creation of awareness of the disease.

“Public health advice should focus on several aspects including protective clothing (long sleeves, long trousers), light coloured clothing to allow easy detection of ticks on the clothes, regularly examine clothing and skin for ticks; if found, remove them safely,” it stated.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2022