Two patients infected with the Congo virus were recently admitted to Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar. Thankfully, doctors have confirmed that both men are now in stable condition and out of danger.
According to hospital officials, 28-year-old Aijaz and 23-year-old Safiyan—both from Karak—were brought to the hospital on June 14 and 15, respectively. Aijaz arrived in critical condition but showed improvement following prompt medical care.
Both patients work in animal care, which is considered a high-risk profession for the Congo virus. The disease, known as Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), is commonly transmitted through tick bites from infected livestock such as goats, sheep, and rabbits.
In April, Pakistan’s National Institute of Health (NIH) issued a nationwide alert about the rising risks of CCHF, especially during the summer months. It also warned about the growing dangers of heatwaves and sunstroke due to climate change.
Health experts have urged the public to wear light-colored clothing to detect ticks easily, avoid tick-infested areas, and remove ticks safely if found on the skin. The Congo virus can also spread through contact with infected animal blood or tissue, particularly during slaughter, and even from person to person in certain settings.
With 61 reported cases of CCHF in 2024, authorities are stressing the need for continued awareness and preventive steps to control future outbreaks. Fortunately, quick medical action in this case helped save lives.