As we are all busy thinking about how to keep ourselves safe from COVID19, there are various factors that we are ignoring. COVID19 undoubtedly is the greatest threat to us all but, there are things which are can prove to be even deadlier. Every year, as Eid Ul Adha approaches, it brings along the news of a virus which can be a life threat to us all. You might have come across the news that Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) or also known as the Congo virus, has started emerging in Pakistan.
It has been a while now that Pakistan faces the Congo Virus outbreak whenever the Eid approaches. Humans usually get infected through the animals which are infected by ticks.
The reason why we do not hear a lot about this is because health officials tend to fudge or hide the facts about it and many of the deaths go unaccounted. As the people go out in the animal markets, they are unaware of the health threat they are encountering. This has greater chances to spread particularly in the which are more exposed to animals and has lesser sanitation than the urban dwellings.
Infection Signs And Symptoms In Animals
It isn’t said that a specific specie animal gets infected. This infection can be carried by many species of wild and domestic animals. They can become a host to the virus. Cattle and pets are also at risk.
Animals that are infected usually show no or few symptoms and survive through it. Whereas humans can show severe symptoms and in some cases, it can be fatal.
Signs And Symptoms In People
Symptoms found in humans can vary from person to person but this is what you can expect to experience:
- Flu-like symptoms are is the first thing that is evident but can probably end in a week’s time.
- A person can be emotionally confused
- Aggressive
- Can experience mood swings
- Fever
- Red eyes
- Joint pain
- Nosebleeds
- Vomiting
- Black stools.
- Swollen Liver
The more serious symptoms can be:
- Kidney failure
- Breathing problems
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
It is said that the symptoms can start improving in the second week more likely if you seek treatment.
How Do We Know If We Are Infected?
Healthcare providers suggest that you must be cautious if you are exposure to any animals often, even from the ones that you eat. If a person is suffering from any signs that are mentioned above, immediately seek consultation from a healthcare professional. The sooner you get the treatment, the better it is.
What Precautions Should We Take?
Congo virus, unfortunately, has no vaccine available as yet, so creating awareness is all we can do.
- Stay Covered
- Wear Bright Clothes (to detect any ticks)
- Use a medicated spray to kill ticks on your animal
- Isolate infected patients who have the virus
- Wear gloves and masks to stay protected
- Try not to eat and drink around animals
- The virus is said to be present in all the fluids that are released by the host animals and patients so staying away is the best option.
- Don’t share utensils with other family members if you are infected.
As Eid-ul-Azha is approaching it is really important that we dispose off all the organs and cleans the leaked blood as soon as we can as it can transmit the virus. Do not let the leftovers stay for a longer time. We should not worry. If you are careful enough, you will remain safe.
In case you are experiencing any health issues, try to reach out to your doctor through online consultation by using Marham’s mobile app.
To install the app, use the links provided below:
Android Users:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=controllers.marham.marhammed&hl=en
Drop a review for us at Playstore if you’ve had a good experience!
IPhone Users:
https://apps.apple.com/pk/app/marham-find-a-doctor/id1095243102
Stay Home Stay Safe!