ISLAMABAD: A 47-year-old man died of the Congo virus in Malla Kalan village of Hazro tehsil in Attock district of Punjab province, prompting local authorities to initiate emergency measures to prevent further spread of the deadly disease.
According to reports, the deceased, identified as Imran, developed fever and began experiencing bleeding symptoms on April 27. He was initially taken to Attock private Hospital, where his condition deteriorated rapidly. Subsequently, he was referred to a renowned private hospital in Rawalpindi, where he was diagnosed with the Congo virus based on test results. Tragically, Imran passed away on the fifth day of the illness.
Upon learning of the confirmed case, Assistant Commissioner Hazro Kamran Ashraf took immediate action, coordinating special emergency measures to address the situation. The deceased was transported from Rawalpindi Hospital to his village under strict protective protocols and laid to rest after funeral prayers. Samples were collected from all members of the affected family and close contacts for testing, with no additional cases reported thus far.
In response to the outbreak, health, sanitary, and veterinary teams were dispatched to Malla Kalan village to conduct thorough spraying and disinfection operations aimed at eliminating the spread of the Congo virus by animals. Additionally, livestock teams conducted extensive inspections of over 300 cattle in the area, with no signs of ticks or symptoms detected.
To further prevent the spread of the virus, veterinary teams have been deployed at key entry points, including Attock Khurd, Chhach Interchange, Jahanian Chowk, and Ghorghashti, to inspect animals entering the region. Market surveillance teams have also been established to monitor registered and unregistered markets, including cattle farmhouses.
Local authorities have launched an awareness campaign through mosque announcements and media outreach to educate the public about the risks associated with the Congo virus and the importance of reporting suspected cases promptly. Residents are urged to cooperate with response teams and report any potential cases to the local administration or helpline immediately.
