In Quetta, an alarming health crisis unfolds, as Congo virus cases rise, highlighting vulnerabilities faced by the region’s livestock-dependent communities. Just days ago, an 18-year-old patient was admitted to the Congo virus ward at the Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital in Quetta, following a harrowing battle with severe symptoms.
Haji Abdul Khaliq, father of the victim young person, described the family’s ordeal, explaining that his son developed a high fever and began vomiting blood shortly after returning from a market where he had purchased animals for slaughter. “We are butchers by trade for generations, and it is routine for our boys to buy animals from the market and slaughter them at night,” he told Jarida Today.
After a doctor advised the father to seek specialized care, Abdul Khaliq drove for two to three hours to get his song to the hospital in Quetta, clinging to hope for his son’s recovery. Disease Surveillance and Response Unit at Directorate General Health Services coordinator Dr Shahzada Kamran shared insights into the alarming situation surrounding the Congo virus.
He said the disease primarily spreads through tick bites, particularly when livestock from border areas carries infected animals into the region. He said the risk was significant due to the movement of animals, especially from neighborhood, where some may be infected. “The disease does not show immediate symptoms in animals, but in humans, once contracted, individuals experience a high fever, severe bleeding, and a critical decline in platelet levels, leading to potential fatality.”
Dr Shahzada Kamran advocates for a change in slaughterhouse practices, recommending a waiting period to observe animals for any signs of illness before slaughtering
Dr Shahzada Kamran said that the virus has a case fatality rate of 30 to 50 percent, making it a serious public health concern. Historically, he said that the virus was first identified during a mission by the Russian Army in Congo, where it was transmitted to humans via tick bites. Today, those at the highest risk include livestock handlers, butchers, and medical staff who may encounter infected individuals, he said.
In Balochistan alone, 42 confirmed cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever have been reported this year, resulting in four deaths, he confirmed to Jarida Today. Local butchers, like the victim’s family, face high risks, as they are visiting the cattle markets frequently to buy animals. Such traditional practices, combined with inadequate health education, contribute to the virus’s spread.
“Infected animals can come into contact with farmers, shepherds, and slaughterhouse workers, heightening the risk of infection,” Dr Shahzada Kamran said, adding that the situation was exacerbated in medical facilities where infected patients may expose healthcare workers. To a question, he said that aerosol transmission was a genuine concern, as the virus can spread through the air in crowded hospital settings.
He said that the dire consequences of this risk were evident last year when some medical professionals succumbed to the virus after treating patients. In response to the rising threat, health authorities have implemented isolation protocols and made medical staff use personal protective equipment. After confirming cases, hospitals share patient data with the Livestock Department, which conducts follow-up checks to ensure that animal populations are monitored for signs of infection.
Despite these efforts, the rapid proliferation of ticks and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in some parts of Balochistan province remains a critical public health challenge. “The dry mountainous climate is conducive to tick development, while imported livestock from Afghanistan increases infection risk,” Dr Shahzada Kamran said. To combat this, he advocated for a change in slaughterhouse practices, recommending a waiting period to observe animals for any signs of illness before slaughtering.
Dr Kamalan Gichki urges people to avoid contact with infected animals and refrain from home slaughtering
Dr Kamalan Gichki, public health expert and coordinator of the Expanded Program on Immunization, reiterated the urgent need for awareness among the community. He pointed out the primary modes of transmission include direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids of infected animals or people. Additionally, he said that the rural residents were at risk from tick bites or by crushing ticks. “Treatment for the fever consists of supportive care and monitoring platelet counts, with antiviral medications administered as needed,” he said.
However, as the number of reported cases grows, the challenge lies in addressing the community’s lack of knowledge regarding preventive measures. “People must avoid contact with infected animals and refrain from home slaughtering,” the expert said. To further combat the outbreak, he suggested enhancing public awareness through radio programs and informational materials. The strengthening of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee within hospitals is critical to ensuring that staff are well-equipped and knowledgeable about handling Congo virus cases.
He said that the committee should facilitate proper protocols for patient care to prevent further transmission. As some parts of the province grapple with threats posed by Congo virus, coordinated efforts of health officials, community leaders, and the public are essential to combat this emerging health crisis. The World Health Organization has indicated that outbreaks of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever can have a case fatality rate of up to 40 percent, highlighting the urgency of intervention.
The disease presents a multitude of symptoms, including fever, muscle pain, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms typically appear within two weeks following exposure. Severe complications, such as liver failure, can arise, although many survivors recover after two weeks of treatment. The situation surrounding Congo virus underscores a complex interplay of traditional practices, environmental conditions, and public health infrastructure.
The time to act is now, as awareness and preventative measures can significantly reduce the spread of this deadly disease. As families fight for survival, the broader community must rally together to prioritize health education and safety in the face of this formidable threat.
Nice snapshot of the current CCHFV situation. Indeed a lot needs to be done to protect our communities at risk and overall population