LAHORE
The Punjab Health Department has stressed the need for taking necessary precautionary measures while going for purchasing sacrificial animal to avoid felling a victim to Congo virus.
Punjab Health Director General Dr Zahid Pervaiz has said that Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a potentially fatal Zoonostic infection caused by the bite of ticks fed on animal or from exposure to infected blood or tissues during or immediately after slaughtering.
However, the infected animal may appear otherwise healthy and that eating or preparing meat from an infected animal is safe. At the international level, especially in Pakistan, an increasing trend in the number of CCHF cases is anticipated with Eidul Azha round the corner.
In this context, there is need to raise public awareness, enhanced vigilance for protection at both the individual and community levels.
Dr Zahid Pervaiz said that basic protective steps are easy to follow. “While buying or taking care of animals, it is essential to wear full sleeve shirt, preferably buttoned, shoes with socks, application of a suitable insect repellent on the exposed portion of body. Take shower and change cloths returning home from the animal/animal market. While slaughtering, gloves and mask should be used. Hands and face must be kept clean through frequent washing. If soap is not available, plain water or a tissue should be used to clean as much blood as possible with subsequent application of any commercially available rectified spirit or alcohol rub”, he said.