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Congo Fever Outbreak: Rising Death Toll Sparks Urgent Public Health Warning
Quick Highlights of Current Situation
Key Cause: Tick bites and direct contact with infected animal blood/tissues
High-Risk Period: Ongoing (Post-Eidul Azha)
Congo Fever Claims More Lives in Pakistan
Pakistan faces a growing health crisis as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), commonly known as Congo fever, continues to claim lives. In Sindh's Karachi district alone, two people have died from the deadly virus in recent days, while three additional fatalities have been confirmed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), raising the national death toll to five.
Tragic Loss in Karachi: A Fisherman's Story
The latest victim in Karachi is a 25-year-old fisherman named Zubair from Ibrahim Hyderi. Zubair spent two consecutive days butchering sacrificial animals during Eidul Azha (June 7-8), reportedly without using proper safety precautions.
- Developed high fever, severe headaches, and muscle pain days after exposure
- Initially treated at local hospital and discharged
- Turned away from Creek General Hospital due to lack of beds
- Admitted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) as suspected case
- Referred to Sindh Infectious Disease Hospital & Research Centre (SIDH)
- Passed away after lab confirmation on June 18
Health authorities immediately initiated contact tracing and interviewed his family, who thankfully have shown no symptoms so far.
First Reported Death in Sindh This Year
A day before Zubair's death, Sindh recorded its first Congo fever fatality of 2025 — a 42-year-old man from Malir district who passed away at Indus Hospital, Korangi. Health teams visited his residence for further investigation, but the home was locked at the time.
Outbreak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 3 Deaths Reported
Brought dead to HMC on Tuesday
Succumbed at HMC Wednesday
Succumbed at HMC Wednesday
Ehtesham Ali, Health Adviser for KP, expressed deep sorrow, attributing the tragic deaths to negligence and a lack of public awareness during Eid celebrations. "These lives could have been saved with timely care and preventive measures," he emphasized, urging citizens to remain cautious.
Authorities on High Alert
- Activated daily alert system monitoring 35 diseases
- Enabling rapid intervention for case surges
- Intensified Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System (IDSRS)
- Enhanced contact tracing
- Sanitization efforts at homes of deceased
Public Urged to Take Precautions
Health officials are strongly advising the public to adopt strict preventive measures, especially when handling livestock or participating in slaughtering activities. With the Eid season intensifying exposure risks, maintaining personal hygiene and using protective equipment when handling animals is critical.
