Karachi is witnessing a surge in cases of the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), commonly known as the Congo virus, sparking alarm among health officials. The latest incident involves a 32-year-old man, currently in critical condition at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), further highlighting the growing threat of this deadly virus.
Critical Condition at Jinnah Hospital
The patient, who initially presented with fever and diarrhea, was admitted to Jinnah Hospital last Wednesday. After thorough examination, the patient tested positive for the Congo virus. Due to the severity of his condition, he was promptly transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for advanced medical care. Medical professionals at the hospital have indicated that the Congo virus is particularly dangerous, with the patient facing a mere 10% chance of recovery.
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Worrying Trend: Increase in Congo Virus Cases
This recent case adds to a worrying trend in Karachi, where five Congo virus cases have already been reported within the first two weeks of August. So far this year, the Sindh Health Department has confirmed 14 cases of the virus in the city, with four of these cases reported in Karachi’s hospitals. Tragically, three of these patients have succumbed to the virus.
The situation is not isolated to Karachi alone. Reports indicate that the virus has affected other regions as well, with four cases reported in Balochistan. Within Karachi, three cases have emerged from Karachi South, two from Central, and one each from Korangi and Malir districts. The deceased patients were residents of Gharbi district, Malir, and Balochistan, according to health authorities.
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The Congo virus is a highly lethal disease, officially identified as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). It is primarily transmitted from animals to humans through tick bites or contact with contaminated animal tissues. The virus is also capable of spreading from person to person, exacerbating the risk of outbreaks. With no available vaccine for CCHF in humans or animals, the virus remains a significant public health challenge, particularly given its high mortality rate, which can reach up to 40%.