The Pakistan Medical Association has expressed concern over the increasing risk of Congo virus during Eid-ul-Adha.
According to the PMA, the Congo virus is a dangerous and life threatening disease with a mortality rate ranging from 10 to 40 percent. The association warned that the nationwide movement of livestock before Eid-ul-Adha has increased the risk of the virus spreading.
The PMA stated that the Congo virus spreads through the bite of infected ticks as well as through contact with the blood and bodily fluids of animals. The virus can also spread from human to human. An increase in Congo virus cases has also been observed in urban areas, and the association recommended the establishment of health checkpoints at the entry points of Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.
The PMA further recommended making anti tick spray certificates mandatory for livestock transport vehicles, ensuring tick killing sprays at cattle markets, and safe disposal of animal waste. It also called for the activation of isolation wards in hospitals and the provision of protective equipment for doctors. Butchers should also be required to use gloves, masks, and protective clothing.
Citizens have been advised to avoid touching livestock with bare hands and refrain from crushing ticks. To prevent Congo virus infection, people should wear full sleeved clothes and closed shoes. The ears, neck, and soft skin areas of animals should be checked carefully.
The PMA said that high fever, body pain, vomiting, and dizziness are early symptoms of the Congo virus. If symptoms appear, the patient should immediately be isolated and shifted to a hospital. Citizens were urged to adopt precautionary measures to ensure the safety of themselves and their families.
