BALOCHISTAN is grappling with an outbreak of the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, commonly known as the Congo virus. Officials say 20 people have died of CCHF this year, tragically among them a doctor as he was being rushed to Karachi for treatment. Of 200 suspected patients, 73 have tested positive for the tick-borne virus. Twelve healthcare professionals are being treated in Karachi. The condition of four doctors is said to be serious. Mercifully, no case has yet been recorded in the port city. However, the rate at which the infection has spread to healthcare workers in Balochistan is alarming, raising questions about the adequacy of infection-control measures and availability of protective gear. These concerns must be swiftly addressed to protect those who are risking their lives to save others. Moreover, it is imperative that the authorities collaborate with their counterparts in Sindh to establish swift and safe transfers of patients through air ambulances.

Given the severity of CCHF — fatalities can occur in up to 40pc cases — there is an urgent need for the development of a vaccine to prevent its spread. Until then, the only recourse available is public awareness and preventative measures. Those involved in the livestock industry must be informed about the risks associated with the virus to reduce tick-to-human and animal-to-human transmissions. They must wear protective clothing when handling animals, use approved acaricides on clothing and examine themselves for ticks regularly. Human-to-human transmission can be controlled by avoiding close contact with infected persons, enforcing hand hygiene, and using protective equipment in healthcare settings. The government should act quickly to contain the virus, protect healthcare workers, and ensure public safety. It has enacted some measures, including a temporary ban on the use of private slaughterhouses in populated areas. Time is of the essence, and the lives of healthcare providers, as well as the broader community, hang in the balance.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2023