Health Alert: NIH Flags Congo Fever Threat During Eid
News Desk
Islamabad: National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory on Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, urging health authorities and the public to take timely precautions to prevent the spread of the disease, particularly ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
According to the advisory, the risk of Congo fever increases during Eid due to large-scale movement of livestock and heightened human contact with animals.
CCHF is a viral disease caused by a Nairovirus and is primarily transmitted through ticks found on animals such as goats, sheep and cattle. The virus can spread to humans through tick bites or direct contact with the blood and tissues of infected animals, especially during and immediately after slaughter.
Human-to-human transmission is also possible through contact with infected blood.
The first case of Congo fever in Pakistan was reported in 1976. While the highest number of cases has been recorded in Balochistan, infections have also been reported in Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/over-84000-hiv-cases-registered-in-pakistan-na-told/
Data shared by NIH shows that 61 confirmed cases were reported nationwide in 2024, with a case fatality rate of 15 percent. In 2025, the number of cases rose to 82, including 20 deaths. As of March 2026, four cases have already been reported.
The advisory urged citizens to adopt preventive measures, including wearing light-colored clothing to easily detect ticks, carefully removing ticks from the body, avoiding tick-infested areas and using gloves while handling animals or meat.
It also emphasized proper disposal of animal waste and avoiding direct contact with blood during slaughter to reduce the risk of infection.
Health authorities have been advised to remain vigilant and ensure preparedness to effectively respond to potential cases during the upcoming Eid period.
