Quetta: A patient infected with the Congo virus has tragically passed away in the isolation ward of a local hospital, marking the eighth death from the virus in the city this year.
The victim, a 23-year-old man from Kechlak, had been receiving treatment for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), commonly known as the Congo virus.
Hospital sources confirmed that this year, Quetta has seen a total of 30 reported cases of the Congo virus. The disease, as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever that can lead to outbreaks with a case fatality rate of up to 40%. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through ticks and livestock animals, but human-to-human transmission can also occur. This usually happens through close contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or organs of an infected person.
Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine available for the Congo virus, either for humans or animals, making early detection and isolation critical in preventing its spread. Health authorities in Quetta are urging the public to take precautions, especially those working with livestock or in areas prone to tick infestations. As the number of cases continues to rise, the city’s health infrastructure faces growing pressure to manage the outbreak and prevent further fatalities.
The Congo virus remains a serious health concern, particularly in regions like Balochistan, where the combination of livestock rearing and limited healthcare resources presents significant challenges. Public awareness campaigns and preventive measures are essential to control the spread of the virus, as health officials continue to monitor and respond to new cases.
