PESHAWAR: Health authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have issued a province-wide advisory to prevent the spread of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), commonly known as Congo virus, ahead of Eid al-Adha.
Hospitals across the region, including those in Peshawar, have been placed on high alert and directed to adopt strict precautionary measures in view of the increased risk during the upcoming festival.
The advisory describes CCHF as a highly infectious and potentially life-threatening disease, instructing District Health Officers (DHOs), Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs), and district hospitals to fully implement infection prevention protocols.
Healthcare facilities have been directed to promptly report suspected cases and send samples to public health laboratories along with complete investigation forms. Medical staff have been urged to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety guidelines while handling patients.
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been made mandatory for healthcare workers. Authorities have also stressed proper infection control practices, including the safe handling and transport of samples using triple-layer packaging while maintaining the required cold chain.
To limit transmission, officials have emphasised tick control measures in livestock, a key source of the virus.
Diagnostic procedures, including PCR and ELISA tests, have been approved, with instructions for careful collection of blood samples from suspected patients.
Hospitals have further been advised to stay in close coordination with the virology department of the National Institute of Health for technical support and guidance.
The advisory comes as part of preventive efforts to curb the spread of the virus during Eid al-Adha, when increased animal handling raises the risk of infection.
