Two individuals were admitted to Peshawar’s Hayatabad Medical Complex, where they were diagnosed with Congo virus. Both patients’ conditions are stable, and reported that they are now completely out of danger.
As per the hospital administration, 28-year-old Aijaz and 23-year-old Safiyan, both from Karak, were admitted to the hospital on June 14 and June 15, respectively. After timely medical care, both patients showed rapid recovery and are stable.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) issued public health precautions in April regarding the risks of Congo virus and the increase of climatic threats like sunstroke and heatwaves. The advisory emphasized the urgency of preventive measures during the warmer months.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), commonly known as “Congo Virus,” is a fatal viral disease that is caused by Nairovirus, which is transmitted by a tick bite to humans, especially those infected by livestock such as goats, sheep, and other animals.
The virus poses additional risks in domestic and healthcare settings due to potential human-to-human transmission.
NIH recorded 61 confirmed CCHF cases across Pakistan in 2024. The advisory encouraged public awareness by recommending the use of light-colored clothing for early tick detection, avoiding high-risk areas, and practicing safe tick removal techniques.