DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Three patients succumbed to deadly Congo virus at Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) Peshawar as the virus continues to spread in the province with six new cases reported from across the province.
According to the hospital administration, this was the first major influx of Congo virus cases reported after Eid this year.
One patient died en route to the hospital, while two others passed away during treatment due to excessive internal bleeding.
Three patients are currently under medical care. The infected individuals hail from Karak, North Waziristan, Bajaur, and Peshawar.
Hospital authority stated that the patients infected with the Congo virus often experience severe hemorrhaging. “One patient died before reaching the hospital, and two others lost their lives last night due to critical blood loss,” they said.
Officials added that such cases tend to spike around Eid-ul-Azha, likely due to increased contact with livestock. “In the past four to five years, we’ve seen 10 to 15 Congo patients brought in during the Eid season alone. Most arrive in critical condition when their platelet count has already dropped dangerously low, they added.
To manage the cases, HMC has established a separate isolation ward staffed with trained medical personnel equipped with full safety protocols. Treatment includes antiviral therapy, fever medication, and plasma or platelet transfusions when needed.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has confirmed the deaths of three individuals, two from Karak and one from North Waziristan. Health Advisor Ikhsham Ali stated that diagnostic facilities for the Congo virus were available in all district and tehsil headquarters hospitals as well as in Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs).
He added that the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System is actively monitoring and working to prevent further spread.
Ali also noted that the health department had issued a public advisory regarding the Congo virus ahead of Eid.
Medical experts explain that the virus is primarily transmitted to humans through ticks found on livestock. Human-to-human transmission is also possible through contact with the blood or body fluids of infected animals or patients.
Symptoms of Congo virus include high fever, intense headache, severe muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, red eyes, bleeding from the nose or gums, and red spots on the skin.
