Congo virus awareness session was conducted at THQ Hospital Arifwala on 20-08-2018.
What is Congo Virus?
Congo Virus or Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick borne viral disease that infects wild and domestic animals, including livestock. Humans can contract this disease by getting bitten by an infected tick living on the host animal or coming into contact with the blood, tissues or fresh meat of the infected animal. Human-to-human transmission is also possible in case of close contact with the organs, blood or other secretions and bodily fluids of the infected person.
Congo virus does not survive high temperatures, and well-cooked meat does not pose any risk of transmission of the virus.
Symptoms
If you get bitten by an infected tick, or come in close contact of an infected person or animal’s body fluids, seek immediate medical attention if you start showing the following symptoms. These symptoms appear within 1 to 3 days of the transmission and initially resemble symptoms of flu. As the disease progresses, you will most likely experience the following indications:
- High grade fever
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Myalgia (muscle aches)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
After 2 days, you may start showing additional symptoms including:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Depression
- Localized abdominal pain in the upper right side
- Rashes on the skin
- Jaundice
- Severe nosebleeds
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Congo Virus has a high fatality rate of up to 40%; thus if suspected, it needs immediate medical attention. If diagnosed late, these symptoms are difficult to control and can lead to organ failure and eventual death. Hence, early intervention is crucial.