Congo Virus killed one while the second patient diagnosed with the virus is receiving treatment.
Health authorities in Balochistan have reported a death due to the Congo virus in Quetta, with another individual currently receiving treatment for the infection. Medical experts are urging swift action, such as livestock spraying, to prevent the virus from spreading further throughout Balochistan.
The deceased, identified as Naseebullah was a butcher by profession from Chaman. He was admitted to Fatima Jinnah TB Sanatorium Hospital on April 19, displaying symptoms including high fever and mouth bleeding. Subsequent tests confirmed that he had contracted the Congo virus, and treatment began. Sadly, Naseebullah succumbed to the virus after a week-long battle.
Following necessary procedures, the deceased’s body was handed over to his family for burial. Officials at Fatima Jinnah Hospital revealed that two patients with the Congo virus were admitted within the past week. The second patient, Abdul Wali Khan, hails from Lashkargah, Afghanistan. Both patients were tested, and after confirmation of the Congo virus, treatment started. Unfortunately, Naseebullah’s condition deteriorated due to a low platelet count, and he passed away, while Abdul Wali Khan’s treatment is ongoing.
Healthcare professionals explained that the Congo virus presents symptoms such as fever, headache, and bleeding from the nose and mouth, particularly when white blood cell counts are significantly low. The potentially fatal disease is transmitted through animals. In order to limit the spread of the virus, experts recommend timely livestock spraying by the livestock department in cattle markets and urban areas across Balochistan. They also point out that the majority of Congo virus cases originate from Afghanistan, Chaman, Loralai, Harnai, Kohlu, and Chagai, with a high proportion being young people.
Previously, PCR testing samples for patients were sent to facilities in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. However, Fatima Jinnah Hospital has recently introduced this testing capability as well.