NIH issues advisory for Congo fever, typhoid

Islamabad: The National Institute of Health (NIH) issued an advisory for Congo fever, typhoid and heat stroke.

According to a media report, after a case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) came to light in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after which the NIH on Wednesday issued an advisory for the prevention and control of CCHF, heatstroke, sunstroke and typhoid fever.

NIH's Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued several advisories to authorities to improve preparedness levels in the prevention and control of CCHF, heatstroke, sunstroke and typhoid fever.

According to the CDC, 101 cases of CCHF were reported in the country last year, while during Eid-ul-Adha, the risks of transmission of this disease through contact between humans and animals are very high. Therefore, necessary measures should be taken to prevent the spread of Congo fever.

CCHF is caused by the spread of norovirus, found in animals such as cows, goats, sheep and rabbits, and the virus in the blood of animals during slaughter is easily transmitted to humans, the statement said. Also, Congo fever can be transmitted from an infected person to other people through different means.

The advisory to prevent cases of heatstroke and sunstroke states that Pakistan is facing severe climate change due to global warming which increases the risk of heatwave every year. As a result, heatstroke can increase morbidity and mortality.

The advisory advised the public to take several precautions, including avoiding direct sunlight, drinking plenty of water, consuming salty foods, wearing hats and light-colored clothing.

The CDC says that Pakistan is among the countries with the highest burden of typhoid fever, with a lack of clean water, poor sanitation practices and low immunization coverage making the country more vulnerable to an increased burden of disease.