Instructions issued to prevent Congo fever on Eid days

LAHORE
The Punjab Health Department has issued necessary instructions to prevent the Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic (CCHF) Fever cases on the occasion of forthcoming Eid-ul-Azha when a large scale movement of sacrificial animals is taking place in the province. The CCHF is a viral disease of human beings transmitted by “Ticks” found on the skin of animals like sheep, goats, cattle and camels which can spread to the medical professionals, traders of animals and buyers.
With a view to forestall the suspected outbreak of the CCHF, there is a need to take immediate precautionary measures to check the spread of ticks and CCHF. According to a handout issued on Wednesday, the Health Department spokesman has said that special measures like limestone marking, spray and treatment of affected animals should be initiated at cattle markets, slaughter houses, dairy/gawala colonies, sacrificial animals sale yards and other animal gathering places.
The spokesman further said the recommended tick repellent spray should be carried out in and around the designated sale points/cattle markets. The services of the District Livestock Officers and veterinary staff in the districts should be fully utilised for avoiding the spread of this disease. Public health experts advised the butchers and animal handlers to take precautionary measures while disposing of the blood and secretion of the animals to avoid direct contact with it. The spokesman said that all the principals of autonomous medical institutions, all medical superintendents of government hospitals and EDOs Health had been asked to take necessary steps for the protection of medical professionals during the treatment of such patients. They have been further asked to maintain sufficient stock of medicines used in the treatment of Congo fever patients and only designated medical paramedical staff and attendants be allowed to handle the patient.
dengue: Adviser on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that anti-dengue activities should be even continued by the government departments during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the Adviser said that indoor and outdoor dengue surveillance would continue in sensitive cities including Rawalpindi, Lahore and Sheikhupura.
He directed that special centres should be set up and necessary medical staff deputed for dengue patients in all the government hospitals during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. He said the teams comprising a female senior registrar and a male senior registrar should be assigned for dengue patients in all the government hospitals.