In a stern response to the alarming surge in Congo virus cases, the Balochistan government has declared a red alert. The virus has claimed the lives of 16 individuals in the province.
The situation has prompted immediate action, as caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Domki instructed the health and livestock departments to take urgent measures to contain the disease.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Chief Minister Domki emphasized the importance of promptly disseminating information about the Congo virus to the general public. He further directed the implementation of anti-viral spray measures in dairy farms to mitigate the spread of the virus.
The minister stressed that individuals with symptoms of the virus should receive immediate medical attention. The tragic death of a doctor highlighted the urgency of the situation. He had been diagnosed with the Congo virus in Quetta. According to the spokesperson for the young doctors, the patient passed away while being transported to Karachi for medical treatment.
Furthermore, eight cases of Congo virus have been detected among the medical and non-medical staff in a recent PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test initiative. The test was conducted at the Fatima Jinnah Hospital in Quetta.
This alarming discovery has prompted a thorough investigation by the Health Monitoring and Emergency Response Team to prevent the further spread of the disease. Fatima Jinnah Hospital, Quetta, has taken swift action to address the situation by implementing stringent testing protocols.
All 18 medical and non-medical staff were screened for the presence of the Congo virus, with five doctors and three non-doctors testing positive for the disease.
This development is raising concerns within the healthcare community, as the Congo disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. It is essential to contain the outbreak to protect both the hospital staff and the patients.
As part of the hospital’s proactive approach, all necessary arrangements for testing and containment have been completed.
The hospital staff is working closely with health authorities to ensure a rapid and effective response. The Integrated Health Monitoring and Emergency Response Team is leading the investigation into the outbreak.
Their expertise and experience in handling health emergencies will be crucial in understanding the source of the outbreak and devising a comprehensive plan to manage and prevent it from spreading.
The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through ticks found on cattle and other livestock. It leads to severe symptoms such as high fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and internal bleeding. With a high fatality rate and no vaccine or specific treatment available, the outbreak is a growing concern for the region.
