Daily Times

General Health Services (GHS) Director Dr Munir Ahmed has said that the Primary & Secondary Healthcare department has issued alert and guidelines on Congo Virus to all districts of Punjab.

He expressed these views while addressing a review meeting regarding Congo Virus on Tuesday.

He said that directions for special preventive measures in this regard have also been issued to all field officers. He also requested to the citizens to adopt preventive measures to avoid Congo Virus.

GHS Director Dr Munir Ahmed directed to all district officers to raise awareness campaign on Congo Virus among the general public. He said that very few cases of Congo fever have been reported in Punjab, however, both Health and Livestock departments are working together in the field. He said that district administration has already been directed to take special measures.

The director general has requested to citizens to properly check animals before buying and ensure there is no hyalomma on body of animals. He directed to use preventive measures while handling the animals. He said that headaches, back pain, muscle pain, red spots on the body, blood vessel from nose, mouth and other body organ could be symptoms of Congo fever. If these symptoms appear, patients should visit nearest government hospital.

Additional Secretary Health Dr Shahnaz Naeem said that districts of Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur and Rawalpindi are highly sensitive due to massive transportation of animals to other districts. She insisted to accelerate surveillance activities in these areas. Live Stock Programme Officer Dr Haris told that at present, 238 seal points of animals have been set up in Punjab and on every point livestock department has deputed their teams. He further said that 179 teams for inspection of animals have also been deputed on exit and entrance routes of major cities.

Published in Daily Times, August 8^th 2018.