ISLAMABAD: Blood test reports have confirmed that a 27-year-old Afghan national admitted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) is suffering from Congo Crimean Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF).

A doctor at the hospital requesting anonymity said the patient, who came from Peshawar, was kept in the isolation room of the Medical Ward II.

His blood samples were sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH).

“On Thursday, the NIH confirmed that the patient is suffering from the Congo fever. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also confirmed that it was a Congo virus case,” he said.

Also read: Karachi: Congo fever records 15-year high with 16 cases in city

It may be mentioned that the CCHF is a widespread viral disease which is endemic in Africa and some other parts of the world. The virus is carried by animals and transferred to human beings and then it starts transferring from human to human.

There is 10 to 40 per cent mortality rate in patients suffering from the disease.

Pims’ media coordinator Dr Waseem Khawaja confirmed that the patient was admitted the hospital. However, he said the patient was out of danger.

In reply to a question, Dr Khawaja said the symptoms of the disease included headache, high fever, back, joint and stomach pain besides vomiting. Red eyes and throat are also the symptoms of the disease.

It may be noted that a woman suspected of suffering from Congo virus was also admitted to the Holy Family Hospital (HFH) a few days ago.

“The patient’s condition is improving,” said Dr Javed Hayyat, the incharge of the infectious diseases ward at the HFH.

Meanwhile, a dengue patient also arrived at the HFH from Karachi.

The 25-year-old man is a native of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and works in Karachi.

He was travelling home from Karachi when he started showing dengue fever symptoms and was brought to the HFH.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2015

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