Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hospitals have been placed on alert for prevention of Congo virus.
The health department has issued an advisory ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, directing preventive measures against the virus. Hospitals have been instructed to send suspected Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever samples to the Public Health Laboratory.
The public has been advised to exercise caution when dealing with livestock. Medical staff have been directed to observe personal protective equipment and infection control protocols.
Suspected case samples are to be dispatched under triple packaging procedures. Emphasis has been placed on tick control measures in livestock.
PCR and ELISA tests have been approved for diagnosis of the infection. Health authorities have stated that livestock handlers and butchers remain at higher risk of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.
The virus is known to spread through infected blood and bodily fluids. Citizens have been advised to avoid unsafe meat and contact with sick animals.
Doctors have stressed the use of gloves and protective clothing during handling. Risk of transmission through tick bites has also been noted.
A proposal has been put forward for mandatory inspection and treatment of animals before slaughter.
Experts have highlighted the continuing risks of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever across the country and called for precautionary measures.
