Syed Muhammad Qaseem:
QUETTA: Two new cases of the Congo virus have been confirmed in Quetta, raising the total number of cases in Balochistan this year to 26, health officials reported on Thursday. The new patients include 55-year-old Abdul Hameed from Quetta and 60-year-old Khan Muhammad from Loralai district. Both individuals have been admitted to the isolation ward at Fatima Jinnah Chest and TB Hospital, where they are receiving specialized care.
According to hospital sources, the situation remains alarming as this year has already seen five deaths due to the virus. The most recent fatality occurred on August 16, when a patient died in Quetta. The growing number of cases has raised concerns among health professionals and the public alike, with authorities urging strict adherence to preventive measures.
Dr. Shireen Khan, a renowned chest physician, emphasized the need for heightened public awareness regarding the Congo virus, also known as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). “The Congo virus is a serious threat to public health, and we need to take all necessary precautions to prevent its spread. People should avoid contact with livestock, use insect repellents, and wear protective clothing when in rural areas,” she said.
Dr. Khan urged people to remain vigilant, especially those working with animals, as the virus is primarily transmitted through ticks on livestock. “Early diagnosis and isolation are crucial in containing the virus and protecting the wider community,” he added.
The Balochistan health department has reinforced its efforts to control the spread, calling on residents to take precautionary measures and immediately report any symptoms to healthcare facilities. With the rising number of cases, the situation demands coordinated efforts from the public and medical community to battle the deadly virus.
