By ATTOCK: The Attock district administration declared a livestock emergency after two people died from Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). In response, authorities enforced Section 144, banning cattle markets and prohibiting inter-district cattle movement for 10 days before Eidul Azha.
Emergency Measures Enforced
Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza chaired a meeting of the technical advisory committee. This committee included local administration, health, and livestock officials. They decided to ban cattle markets in Gondal, Domel, Jand, and Gali Jageer in Fatehjang. Additionally, they strictly prohibited inter-district and inter-provincial cattle movement.
Inspections and Monitoring
Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza, along with the assistant commissioner of Hassanabdal, conducted a surprise inspection at the livestock department checkpost on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Punjab border at Jehri Kass on Hazara Road. They monitored potential cattle movement from KP to Punjab. Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Engineer Aamir Khattak also inspected the livestock checkpost in Attock Khurd on G.T. Road to review the administration’s arrangements.
Outbreak Details
District Health Authority Chief Executive Dr. Asad Ismail reported that the outbreak was identified on May 1. Mohammad Imran, a 51-year-old from Hazro, was admitted to a hospital in Rawalpindi with high fever and oral bleeding; he later died. The second patient, Khair Khanum, a 50-year-old woman from Jand, was admitted on May 17 but did not survive. The National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed both patients were infected with the Congo virus.
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Health Risks and Symptoms
Dr. Ismail noted that the Congo virus is highly lethal, with only a 10% recovery rate. It spreads from animals to humans and between humans. Symptoms include bleeding from the gums, nose, and stools, as well as high fever.
Preventive Measures
Attock Livestock Department Additional Director Dr. Abdul Hameed stated that checkposts have been established at all district entry and exit points to enforce the cattle movement ban.
Investigative Committee
The Punjab government dispatched a nine-member committee of health and livestock experts. Their goal is to investigate the causes and study the cases to develop a strategy to control the disease’s spread in Attock district, especially with the anticipated mass cattle movement ahead of Eidul Azha.
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