Concern over risk of Congo fever during Eidul Azha

KARACHI: With Eidul Azha just round the corner, health experts have raised concerns over the increasing risk for zoonotic disease transmission and environmental pollution during the festive occasion. They urged citizens to ensure handling and slaughtering of sacrificial animals with adequate hygiene and veterinary precautions to minimise risk of Congo Crimean Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) — a viral disease that has a fatality rate of up to 40 per cent. There is no vaccine available for either animals or humans. “Recent health data shows an upward trajectory, with cases surfacing in dense urban centres. The upcoming festival multiplies exposure opportunities for livestock handlers, butchers and the general public, threatening to strain our healthcare infrastructure if left unchecked,” said Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro representing the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA). He stressed the need for activating high-containment isolation wards across major public and private hospitals and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of personal protective equipment for medical staff, alongside rapid diagnostic testing capabilities. Citizens advised to adopt precautions while livestock handling and slaughtering “District authorities should mandate basic safety protocols and protective gear usage for professional butchers operating during the festival,” he said. In a statement, the association urged the public to prioritise safety over convenience by adopting simple precautions during livestock handling and slaughtering. It says: “Apply insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) on exposed skin and clothing. Carefully check livestock for ticks around the ears, neck and soft skin areas. For livestock bought early, consult a veterinarian to apply safe anti-tick treatments. “Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and trousers so that ticks can be easily spotted. Do not wear open shoes or sandals; use closed footwear with socks. “Never crush a tick with bare hands, as the fluids