Authorities have imposed a “health emergency” in Balochistan in the wake of a worrisome surge in cases of the novel Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) commonly known as the “Congo virus” in the province.<\/p>\n
With 44 Congo virus cases reported in the province so far, caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki chaired a meeting in Quetta which decided to declare health emergency in the province to curb further spread of the novel disease.<\/p>\n
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Congo virus is caused by a tick-borne virus called “Nairovirus” and is transmitted via tick bites or through infected animals’ blood. The disease results in severe viral haemorrhagic fever and has a fatality rate of 10 to 40%.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, divisional commissioners, district house officers (DHOs), and livestock officers have been directed to keep a close eye on the situation.<\/p>\n
The huddle also decided to impose a ban on private slaughterhouses in Quetta for two weeks under Section 144, after which animals can only be slaughtered in slaughterhouses located away from the urban population.<\/p>\n
CM Domki directed the provincial livestock department to immediately spray disinfectants in cattle markets.<\/p>\n
Preliminary evidence, according to the caretaker chief minister, suggested that the virus spread from a patient belonging to Harnai in the Civil Hospital, after which the affected ward was sealed and other departments were disinfected under special measures.<\/p>\n
The interim CM added that the two healthcare workers, who were affected by the Congo virus, are being transferred to Karachi via air ambulance today.<\/p>\n
The interim set-up in Balochistan has declared the doctor who died of Congo virus a martyr and also announced benefits for his surviving family.<\/p>\n