Health
Congo fever cases rise 38% in last two months in Afghanistan
The Public Health Ministry’s spokesman said in the first five months of this year, 203 positive cases of Congo fever and six deaths were recorded across the country
On the eve of Eid al-Adha, the Ministry of Public Health has announced that cases of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever have increased by 38 percent in the last two months across the country.
The Ministry of Public Health said that last year there were about 244 positive cases of Congo fever, of which about 100 patients died.
Sharaf Zaman, the spokesperson of Public Health Ministry, added that in the first five months of this year, 203 positive cases of Congo fever and six deaths were recorded throughout Afghanistan.
According to him, Congo fever cases have increased by 38% in the last two months.
“It is very important to allow at least fifteen minutes for the blood to drain completely after slaughtering the animals on Eid days”
Congo fever is carried by domestic animals and can be transmitted by ticks. It is found in Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia. Symptoms include headaches, back pain, vomiting, severe bruising and nosebleeds.
“It is very important to allow at least fifteen minutes for the blood to drain completely after slaughtering the animals on Eid days. Then cover the blood on the ground with soil or wash it with soap, powder or only water. After skinning the animal, the skin should be put in a plastic bag immediately,” said Faridullah Omari, a medic.
According to medics, to prevent the spread of Congo fever, infected people should be quarantined and they should avoid contact with healthy people.
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