Congo Virus: The Deadly Fever! - Yet another patient loses his battle of life at JPMC

KARACHI- A 32- year old resident of Killa Abdullah District, Baluchistan Province, died due to deadly Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC).  

Executive Director, JPMC, Dr. Seemin Jamali stated that, a 32 year old man Abdullah was brought into JPMC’s emergency department with high grade fever, bleeding from mouth and nose. The patient was shifted to the isolation ward and his investigation report confirmed the presence of Congo virus. She added that the deceased patient was a butcher by profession, and contracted CCHF disease due to ticks found on the skin of animals.

Dr. Jamali informed that, a total of 6 Congo fever patients have been reported in JPMC, out of which 2 died during treatment and 3 others were discharged after acquiring treatment. Moreover, a 35 year old woman belonging to Korangi Town is admitted in JPMC’s isolation ward with symptoms of Congo virus.

Health Experts have mentioned that Congo Fever is a deadly viral disease that spreads through ticks found on animals. People who deal with dairy farming and livestock are most likely to get infected or turn into carriers. The Congo infected person can infect other people, therefore precautionary measures are necessary.

This year, Karachi faced two deaths due to this deadly fever. 36-year-old Sadiq Ali, resident of Lyari and Mubin Ahmed, resident of Korangi Town, passed away after contracting Congo virus.