Health officials alert public about Congo virus ahead of Eid

The National Institute of Health has issued an important advisory regarding Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, urging immediate preventive measures to curb the risk of the virus.

Pakistan’s health authorities have issued a fresh warning about Crimean‑Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a dangerous tick‑borne viral disease, after a sharp rise in cases and deaths. The institute reported 82 confirmed CCHF cases in 2025, with 20 deaths, pushing the case fatality rate above 24 percent.

This marks a clear increase from 61 cases in 2024, and officials say four new cases have already been recorded this year. The advisory explains that CCHF spreads through bites of infected ticks and contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals, especially during livestock slaughter.

Human‑to‑human transmission can also happen through exposure to infected blood and bodily fluids. High‑risk groups include livestock handlers, butchers, veterinarians and healthcare workers, while hospital‑acquired infections remain a concern due to weak infection‑control practices.

Symptoms start with sudden high fever, headache and muscle pain, and can worsen to bleeding and serious organ complications in severe cases. The National Institute of Health is urging strong preventive steps, such as using protective clothing, controlling ticks on animals, handling livestock safely, and tightening infection control in clinics and hospitals. Authorities are also calling for extra caution and vigilance during the Eid period, when animal slaughter and movement increase across the country.