Karachi reports first Congo fever case this year after 32-year-old butcher falls ill

KARACHI: A 32-year-old butcher has been diagnosed with Congo fever in Karachi, marking the first case of the viral disease in Pakistan this year, officials said on Thursday.
The patient, who hails from the Pan Mandi area of the city, was initially admitted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) with a high fever, according to Dr. Nausheen Ahmed, deputy director at the medical facility.
“A 32-year-old male was brought in with a high fever and was diagnosed with Congo fever,” she told Arab News.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe tick-borne viral illness with a case fatality rate of up to 40 percent, according to the World Health Organization.
It is endemic in parts of Africa, Europe and Asia. Humans can contract the disease through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues, particularly during or immediately after slaughter.
The majority of cases have occurred in people involved in the livestock industry, such as agricultural workers, slaughterhouse employees and veterinarians.
Ahmed confirmed that the patient had come into contact with animals due to the nature of his job.
“The patient is a butcher by profession and was infected by the animals,” she said while sharing the patient’s history.
According to Dr. Yahya Tunio, the JPMC executive deputy director, the patient’s condition was critical, and he had been transferred to the Sindh Institute of Infectious Diseases for specialized care.
The Sindh Health Department issued a warning to the public to exercise caution when handling animals ahead of Eid Al-Adha this year. Muslims sacrifice sheep, goats, cows or camels during the festivity and distribute meat among family, friends and those in need.
Symptoms of Congo fever include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
Health practitioners advise that anyone experiencing these symptoms after coming into contact with animals should seek immediate medical attention.
This is the second reported case of Congo fever in Karachi in less than a year.
In November 2023, a 42-year-old man from the city’s East District was diagnosed with the virus.