Following the report of one case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued advisories for the prevention and control of CCHF, heatstroke, sunstroke, and typhoid fever.
The NIH’s CDC has released advisories to raise awareness among authorities to improve preparedness in preventing and controlling diseases like CCHF, heatstroke, sunstroke, and typhoid fever.
According to the CDC, 101 cases of CCHF were reported in the country last year. With the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha expected to increase human-animal interaction, there’s a high risk of disease transmission.
The CDC clarified that CCHF is caused by a tick-borne virus called Nairovirus. Animals like cattle, goats, sheep, and hares carry this virus, which can be transmitted to humans through tick bites or contact with infected blood or tissues during slaughter.
Furthermore, CCHF can spread from person to person through contact with infectious blood, secretions, or body fluids.
The advisory for preventing heatstroke and sunstroke highlighted Pakistan’s severe climate changes, including frequent heatwaves due to global warming. It warned that each year, the risk of heat-related illnesses is rising, leading to more morbidity and mortality.
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To stay safe, people are advised to avoid direct sunlight, drink more water, eat salty foods, wear hats, light-colored, loose clothing, and prioritize rehydration to prevent heatstroke complications.
According to CDC, Pakistan as one of the countries with the highest burdens of typhoid fever. Factors such as inadequate access to safe drinking water, poor hygiene practices, and low immunization coverage contribute to the country’s high risk of increased disease burden.
