KABUL (SW) – Officials from the Ministry of Public Health have reported a significant rise in Congo fever cases in Afghanistan.
On Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil revealed that positive cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have increased by 38% over the past two months.
“In the last two months, the number of positive Congo fever cases in Afghanistan has risen by 38%. Over the past five months, 203 cases have been recorded, resulting in six deaths,” he stated.
Congo fever is a viral and deadly disease that initially infects animals through tick bites. It can then be transmitted to humans through contact with or consumption of contaminated meat.
Doctors have identified high fever, headache, muscle and back pain, red eyes, depression, and irritability as major symptoms of the disease.
Faridullah Omari, a specialist at the Infectious Disease in Antani Hospital in Kabul, advised preventive measures: “If you have any wounds, avoid contact with animals. When slaughtering animals, use gloves, masks, goggles, and boots, and ensure thorough cleaning afterward.”
In response to the outbreak, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock have launched a nationwide campaign to disinfect animals to curb the spread of Congo fever.
Ministry spokesperson Misbahuddin Mostaeen, said, “To prevent the spread of the disease, we have started a disinfection campaign for animals in livestock markets across the country. We are also raising awareness about the disease among the public.”
Last year, 244 people contracted Congo fever in Afghanistan, with 100 fatalities recorded among them.
