Pakistan has reported its first death of 2026 from the Congo virus in Karachi. A 17-year-old boy died at a hospital after contracting Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). The case has raised renewed concerns over the seasonal spread of the tick-borne disease.
According to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre, the patient arrived in critical condition. He was suffering from severe symptoms, including bleeding from the body. He was immediately shifted to the intensive care unit and placed under strict isolation protocols. Despite treatment, he later died.
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Doctors at Jinnah Hospital said the teenager had initially been admitted with high fever. They noted that he worked at a livestock farm, which increased exposure risk to infected ticks. Based on symptoms, medical teams suspected CCHF and moved him to isolation for treatment.
Further laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the Congo virus. The patient was then transferred to the infectious diseases facility for specialized care. However, his condition continued to deteriorate due to the severity of infection. Officials confirmed this is the first such death reported in the country this year.
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Health experts say Congo virus is transmitted mainly through infected ticks or contact with infected animal blood. Human-to-human transmission is also possible in healthcare settings. The disease is considered highly dangerous due to its rapid progression and high fatality rate. Authorities continue to monitor potential cases across the region.