NIH issues advisory for prevention of Congo fever during Eidul Azha.

ISLAMABAD -- National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory regarding prevention and control of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) for upcoming Eidul Azha.

The objective of the advisory is to sensitize human and animal health care authorities to further strengthen and improve the level of preparedness in prevention and control of CCHF.

Congo virus is a tick-borne viral disease with symptoms such as high fever, muscle ache, dizziness, abnormal sensitivity to light, abdominal pain and vomiting.

Later on, sharp mood swings may occur, and the patient may become confused and aggressive. It may prove fatal if patient is not provided timely treatment.

Ticks, remain in the hairs of animal, can infect the animal by biting them due to which the saliva and blood of the animal is contaminated and people can be infected if they touch the saliva and blood of infected animals. Moreover, ticks can directly bite the human beings due to which virus can be transferred in people.

A large number of sacrificial animals come to urban areas on the occasion of Eidul Azha, and they are kept in the houses so those animals can become a source the disease.

In the wake of high disease transmission and risk due to anticipated increased human-animals interaction during upcoming Eidul Azha, it is imperative to be vigilant about the situation and take necessary steps to interrupt the transmission of Congo virus.

'The CCHF virus is transmitted to people...