Spread of lethal Viral Diseases across Sindh during 2018

KARACHI- The deadly Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) claimed 16 precious lives  in the city of Karachi, during 2018, whereas 41 others also got infected from this tick-borne viral disease but showed recovery.

As per the annual statistics released by Sindh Health Department, the deadly Congo fever claimed 16 lives, beginning from January 2018 to December 2018, and affected numerous others across the province of Sindh.

The Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), commonly known as Congo Virus is a tick-borne viral disease, mainly contracted by the people who deal with cattle and livestock.

Similarly last year, Naegleria fowleri, the brain-eating amoeba, claimed 06 lives in Karachi city. This brain-eating amoeba enters through a person's nose and lives off on one’s brain tissue. Fresh water bodies such as ponds, lakes, swimming pools, as well as the underground and overhead tanks are the most common points where this kind of lethal organism flourish.

As many as 52 Chikungunya suspected cases were also detected across Karachi city, from January 2018 to December 2018.

Moreover, at least 588 measles cases were also reported throughout the province of Sindh in 2018, out of which 02 children lost their lives during treatment.

Measles is a highly contagious childhood infectious disease caused by measles virus. Initial symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes.

Last year, a polio case was also reported from within Union Council-4 Gadap Town. an area in Karachi.