-
-
A 25-year-old fisherman from Karachi’s Malir District has died from Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) – commonly known as congo virus, a deadly viral disease transmitted through ticks and animal blood.
According to the District Health Office Malir, Zubair had no animals at home and no known tick bites, but he had visited a cattle market and butchered animals continuously for two days during Eid ul Adha without proper protective equipment.
His symptoms began on June 13 with a high fever, headache, and muscle pain. Later on June 16, he was diagnosed with suspected congo virus at JPMC and later transferred to Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital (SIDH) in critical condition.
He was placed on a ventilator but succumbed to the disease early morning on June 19. Lab results confirmed the presence of congo virus.
Health authorities responded immediately by mobilizing a team to investigate and trace contacts. No additional symptomatic cases have been identified, and his family members remain healthy.
Health education sessions were conducted in the community to warn residents about the dangers of congo virus, particularly during animal slaughter. Officials stressed the importance of using personal protective equipment when handling livestock.
A day earlier, Sindh reported its first Congo virus case of 2025, as a 42-year-old resident of Malir, Karachi, died after testing positive for the Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), health officials confirmed.
According to the Sindh Health Department, the patient tested positive on June 16 and passed away the next day.
The case has raised concerns about the spread of the tick-borne disease.
The Congo virus is transmitted through ticks commonly found on livestock, and human infection occurs through contact with infected animals or ticks. The virus has a mortality rate between 40–50 percent.
Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district, two more cases of CCHF have been reported. Dr Qudratullah, a senior health official, confirmed that both patients were being treated at a Peshawar hospital, and their condition is currently stable.
Congo virus symptoms
The symptoms of Congo virus appear suddenly, often starting with high fever, headache, joint pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, and rashes.
Health experts urge people dealing with cattle to use protective gear and maintain hygiene.
Authorities have called for heightened surveillance, especially in cattle farms, to prevent further spread of the virus.
