HYDERABAD, Dec 14: With Eidul Azha round the corner, Director General Health Service Sindh, Dr Hadi Bux Jatoi has cautioned the public against Congo fever which spreads through animals.

In a statement issued here on Friday, he said the National Institute of Health had published a report advising people to remain careful as thousands of animals will be brought to markets which could expose them to Congo fever as viral transmits to human by the bite of “Hyaloma Tick” or by direct contact with infected animals.

The report said Congo fever poses serious health risk, especially around Eidul Azha because of the influx of animals and their increased contact with humans. It advised to institutionalise preventive measures properly.

He further said all blood samples brought to lab should be treated as contagious and handled under strict bio-safety measures. Dr Hadi Bux Jatoi advised the people working in cattle market and customers to cover themselves up properly and never venture into market barefoot.

The DG Health directed all departmental EDOs to undertake foolproof preventive measures.

PHD SEMINAR: Vice Chancellor Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Dr Bashir Ahmed Shaikh said Sindh province has been converted into a “drainage valley” as a result of which the underground water is fast becoming poisonous.

He feared the export of vegetables and fruits will receive setback as they were not in consonance with the WTO standard. He was speaking at a PhD seminar on Friday on “vegetable products and marketing”.