Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Pakistan
02 Aug 2016
The media has reported the deaths of two patients confirmed to have Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in the last 10 days.
Both cases are linked to Victoria Hospital in Bahawalpur. The first case was a female medical student; she was an inpatient at Victoria Hospital when she died of CCHF on 23 July 2016. The second case was a male surgeon; he died in Aga Khan Hospital in Karachi on 30 July 2016 and is believed to have contracted CCHF during management of the female case in Victoria Hospital.
District Health Officer Dr. Durrani has urged health departments and hospitals to promote awareness of CCHF amongst its employees, and to educate health care workers about the importance of barrier nursing and bio safety protocols.
Advice for Travellers
CCHF is a low risk for the average traveller; it is spread by infected ticks from a reservoir usually in animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. CCHF can also be transmitted by contact with the blood of an infected animal. Avoidance of tick bites is essential in risk areas.
For further information please see: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever