KABUL: Over the past two months, doctors in Afghanistan’s western province of Herat have reported 36 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, including five fatalities, raising concerns about the spread of the disease during the Eid-ul-Adha festival.
According to Mohammad Asif Kabir, Deputy Public Health of Herat, the number of cases has seen an increase this year, warranting authorities’ attention to prevent further transmission. In light of this, people are being urged to take necessary precautions, as advised by the medical staff at the infectious disease department of the provincial hospital in Herat.
Earlier, Takhar province also reported three cases of Congo fever, one of which resulted in the death of the patient. Last week alone, 91 individuals in Afghanistan were infected with the disease, and seven deaths have been reported this summer.
Preparations to Cope with Congo Fever
Hayatullah Emami, director of Takhar Provincial Hospital, assured that they are fully prepared to tackle the disease, stating that they have better measures in place compared to previous years.
Congo fever, a viral disease transmitted to humans through ticks, particularly during animal slaughter, has various symptoms including fever, heartburn, diarrhea, internal and external bleeding, neck discomfort, and eye pain. The virus can cause epidemics with a high case fatality rate (10–40%) and can lead to outbreaks in healthcare institutions, posing challenges for treatment and prevention.
To mitigate the risk of transmission, the US Centers for Disease Control recommends individuals to wear gloves and other protective equipment while butchering animals. It is crucial not to share blood and bodily fluids of sick animals or individuals displaying symptoms. Healthcare professionals should strictly adhere to infection control procedures to avoid occupational exposure.
