KABUL (SW) – Health officials warn that the Congo fever might spread all over the country if proper preventive measures are not put in place in regard to the sacrificial animals during the forthcoming Eid.
Officials of the Ministry of Public Health ask the citizens to consider the health guidelines during the days of Eid.
Hezbollah Jalil, a member of the Ministry of Public Health’s surveillance department, said that in the past week alone, 12 people have been infected with Congo fever, and one of them has died. He added that most positive cases of Congo disease have been recorded in Herat, Kabul and Parwan provinces.
A number of doctors say that it is a virus that spreads from animals to humans. Contact with blood-contaminated objects is another way to transmit this virus to humans. According to doctors, when a person comes into contact with the blood and carcass of an animal infected with the virus, he gets this disease.
On the other hand, Kabul University officials held a press conference today in connection with common diseases among animals and humans, especially the Congo fever.
Asadullah Samadi, a professor at the Veterinary Sciences Department of Kabul University, said that contact with the infected animal’s blood, bird flu, mad dog, roundworm and malaria are common infectious diseases between humans and animals that kill dozens of people every year.
According to him, medical studies show that the transmission of viral diseases from animals to humans and from humans to animals is increasing.
The participants of this meeting considered the role of scholars, tribal elders, schools, universities and media to be important and said that raising public awareness will reduce the risks.
Muscle pain, sensitivity, bleeding, sore throat and vomiting are the symptoms of Congo fever. Health officials recommend to avoid direct contact with animals and use of gloves, masks and glasses when slaughtering animals.
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