A new case of the Congo virus has been reported in Karachi, with a 33-year-old man currently receiving treatment at Jinnah Hospital.
Hospital officials confirmed that the patient, a resident of Bhens Colony and a hairdresser by profession, was brought in with high fever, bleeding gums, and nosebleeds.
A PCR test confirmed the presence of the Congo virus, after which he was shifted to the hospital’s isolation ward for further treatment.
According to the Sindh Health Department, this is the latest in a series of cases reported in the city. Since Eid-ul-Azha, two people have died from the virus in Karachi.
Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious, especially those in professions involving close physical contact or animal handling, as the Congo virus is typically transmitted through ticks or infected animal blood.
Last month, a 25-year-old fisherman from Karachi’s Malir District 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.
