The National Institute of Health (NIH) has released an advisory to raise awareness and enhance preparedness for the prevention and control of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and Naegleriasis. The NIH’s Field Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division (FEDSD) issued the advisories, targeting human and animal healthcare authorities, aiming to strengthen preventive measures and control strategies for these diseases.
With the upcoming Eid ul Adha festival expected to increase human-animal interaction, the NIH urges vigilance and emphasizes the importance of interrupting the transmission of CCHF. CCHF is a widespread disease caused by a tick-borne virus of the Bunyaviridae family. It is transmitted to humans through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and after slaughter. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through contact with infectious blood, secretions, or body fluids.
The advisory highlights that this year, Balochistan has reported 81 suspected cases, of which 27 were confirmed positive, including five deaths, while KP reported three suspected cases of CCHF as of June 2023. Currently, there is no available vaccine for humans, and awareness is crucial in reducing infections.
The public health advice provided in the advisory includes wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and trousers, using light-colored clothing to facilitate tick detection, and applying approved insect repellent on the skin. Insect repellents are highly effective in preventing tick bites, and it is advisable to avoid visiting areas with high tick populations during their peak activity seasons.
Additionally, the advisory addresses Naegleriasis, caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba. It is a thermophilic, free-living pathogen found in warm bodies of freshwater such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and soil. While PAM disease (Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis) has a lower incidence, it is prevalent in tropical areas, especially during hot summer months. Cases of PAM have been reported from Karachi and other parts of the country since 2008, with a total count of 150 cases in the last 14 years.
To prevent Naegleriasis, the NIH recommends avoiding diving and water entering the nose during recreational activities like swimming. It is advisable to avoid water-related activities in non-chlorinated water and ensure regular cleaning of small collapsible bathing pools. Adequate chlorination and maintenance of swimming pools and spas are essential. Furthermore, caution should be exercised when dealing with warm freshwater bodies, avoiding putting the head underwater in untreated geothermal waters. If using unchlorinated water, it is important to prevent water from entering the nose during bathing, showering, or face washing.
As the Eid ul Adha festival approaches, the NIH’s advisory serves as a reminder to prioritize preventive measures and take necessary precautions to protect against CCHF and Naegleriasis, thereby ensuring public health and safety.
