A 17 year old boy infected with the Congo virus has lost his life in Karachi.
According to sources, a 17 year old boy infected with Congo hemorrhagic fever died in Karachi. The Health Department said the deadly Congo virus was confirmed in the boy only a day earlier, after which he was under treatment at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital, however he could not survive.
Hospital administration said the deceased was involved in taking care of livestock, from where he is suspected to have contracted the virus. The virus is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of ticks present on livestock or through the blood of an infected animal.
Meanwhile, ahead of Eid ul Adha, health experts have issued an important advisory for citizens, stating that gloves must be used while handling or taking care of animals.
In addition, while visiting cattle markets, people should wear light colored and full sleeve clothing so that any insect can be seen easily. High fever, muscle pain and bleeding from any part of the body are clear symptoms of Congo, and in such a situation immediate hospital consultation is advised.
Authorities have directed citizens to exercise extreme caution when going near animals before Eid in order to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.
