Health Watch Series: Congo Virus

If you’re travelling this week or have plans to travel in September, beware of the Congo Virus. In the run-up to Eid ul-Adha, there have been outbreaks across Pakistan. According to the WHO, livestock like cattle and goats can serve as hosts for the virus. We spoke to Dr. Aun Raza from Shaukat Khanum Hospital (SKMCH) about the Common Symptoms and Preventive Measures.

CCHF

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), simply known as Congo virus, is a tick-borne viral infection. It can be fatal and has been reported in about 30 countries around the globe.

The virus can be transmitted to humans from ticks and livestock animals. Transmission can also result from close contact with the bodily fluids of patients with CCHF (during the acute phase of infection) and the blood or tissue of viraemic livestock.

Symptoms

• High fever
• Throat ache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hemorrhaging (in rare cases)
• Mood swings
• Drowsiness
• An inability to focus

Diagnosis & Treatment

The disease must to be diagnosed at an early stage in order to be managed effectively. It can be diagnosed by enzyme-linked immunoassay and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR.

Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives and can also prevent potential nosocomial infections. Treatment is mainly supportive and includes fluid and electrolyte balance and hemodynamic support. Anti-viral therapy should be commenced as part of treatment once the infection is confirmed.

Preventative Measures

In order to reduce the risk of tick-to-human transmission, it is advisable to wear protective, light colored clothing to allow easy visibility of ticks. Approved acaricides and repellents should be used (chemicals intended to kill ticks) on clothing.

Those who deal with livestock should seek measures to control and possibly eliminate tick infestations in animals, stables and barns. The lack of care and reasonable facilities to accommodate quality care for livestock animals is one of the main reasons for the extensive spread of this disease, which is further aggravated by a lack of proper education.

Qurbani Awareness

Animals, especially sacrificial animals imported for Eid ul-Adha from other countries and Northern Pakistan, must be subjected to screening. When buying livestock for the Qurbani sacrifice, ensure they are healthy and carry no ticks.

When carrying out Qubani on behalf of donors, IKCA does not take the risk of working with cheaper slaughterhouses. Find Out how our staff in Pakistan are involved in monitoring the Qurbani process every step of the way to ensure all animals are healthy and suitable for sacrifice.

Dr. Aun Raza is Senior Instructor of Infectious Diseases at Shaukat Khanum Hospital (SKMCH).