Precautions recommended to avoid Congo fever risk

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): The Public Health Department of western Badghis province has asked the faithful to take necessary preventive measures while slaughtering animals on Eidul Adha day to avoid Congo Fever risk.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on Monday (13 June) confirmed 11 deaths from Congo virus during the past three months, saying it registered 267 positive cases all over the country.

According to physicians, Congo Fever is a zoonotic illness and the virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected ticks and animal blood and from one infected person to another and its symptoms are severe fever, headache, muscles pain, joints pain, pain in stomach, throat pain, conjunctivitis, jaundice and anemia.

Eidul Adha arrival and Congo Fever outbreak

Doctor Ajab Khan Hamidi, deputy head of Public Health Department of Badghis, on Monday urged the people in a statement to strictly observe preventive measures while slaughtering animals on Eid day.

He said the people should avoid contact with blood and remains while  slaughtering animals on Eid day because Congo fever was dangerous.

He added the people must wear gloves, masks and special protective cloths to prevent direct contact with the blood of animals.

Without providing details, he said they were fully prepared during Eid holidays and were taking safety measures during.

He added: “Special protective clothes must be worn during the slaughter of animals and avoid contact with the blood of animal and special precautions must be taken to prevent from the spread of ticks to the body of humans from animals”.

Doctor Mohammad Javed Akhizai, a specialist of internal medicine at provincial hospital of Badghis, said Congo Fever was a dangerous and deadly disease and was transmitted to humans from the blood, wool and other secretions of infected animals.

According to Akhizai, the only way to prevent this illness is to observe personal hygiene measures in the environment.

He said gloves, cap and safety clothes should be used while slaughtering animals to prevent direct contact with animal’s blood.

aw/ma

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