KARACHI: The Sindh health department here on Thursday confirmed 14 deaths in the metropolis from Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) cases in the city during the current month.

An official sharing details of the measures being adopted to prevent the disease said a total of 26 cases were reported at different private and public healthcare facilities where 14 of them died.

The ailment, a viral infection transmitted to humans through ticks that live on cattle, is said to have an average of 40 per cent mortality rate, but can be largely prevented through timely and proper management.

Adequate hygienic care on part of those coming into close contact with tick-infested livestock as well as meat handlers is advised.

Those infected with the virus can also be a major source for spread of the virus if they come into contact with otherwise healthy individuals through means of direct exposure to their blood and other secretions.

Call for stronger surveillance system

In view of increased incidence of CCHF cases in Karachi, the experts have called for strengthening the surveillance system.

Capacity-building of health workers in terms of surveillance, diagnosis and case management has also been suggested, coupled with establishment of lab investigation at district level for quick detection of Congo virus.

Infection control experts associated with Aga Khan University in a communication issued Thursday have also sought establishment of isolation wards at all tertiary and district-level hospitals.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2019