Pakistan faces the threat of Congo virus outbreak every year before Eid. This year also, there are fears that the Congo virus will spread from cattle markets established in different cities of the country.
So far, the country has reported three cases of the Congo virus, two of whom have died. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory to the public and relevant agencies on the number of cases and deaths associated with the Congo virus and the potential for further spread.
The advisory urged residents to be careful when buying animals and advised livestock traders to take precautions to prevent the spread of the Congo virus. So far, Pakistan has three cases of Congo virus, all from Punjab, according to Dr. Mumtaz, NIH focal person. Two cases were reported in Rawalpindi and one case was reported in Peshawar. In general, he said, the number of Congo virus cases increased after Eid.
** How is the Congo virus spread? **
According to epidemiologists, the Congo virus is usually found in fleas or ticks on animal carcasses. This can be given to people who care and care for animals directly. Congo virus is not easily transmitted from person to person, but healthcare workers who treat such patients can be affected. In Africa and Asia, 40% of Congo virus patients die.
**Symptoms**
People infected with the Congo virus may have symptoms such as dizziness, high fever, and diarrhea. In addition, bleeding from different parts of the body is also a symptom of the virus.
** Precautions **
As with other epidemic diseases, prevention of Congo virus is impossible because there is no vaccine yet.
Experts advise residents to use gloves and masks when looking directly at animals. The government must ensure that animals are bought and sold only in officially controlled livestock markets that are tested. Animal handlers should wear light-colored clothing so that they can be seen if tires are attached to their clothing..
