KARACHI – Karachi Friday reported third death due to Congo virus during this year as a patient suffering from Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), commonly known as Congo virus (Congo virus) passed away while undergoing treatment at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in the city.
The individual was admitted to the hospital just two days prior, experiencing symptoms of high fever and abdominal pain, according to the hospital management. The latest death represents the third confirmed case of a fatality due to the Congo virus in Karachi this year.
The patient was reportedly a butcher by profession, which likely exposed him to infected animals — a common source of transmission for the virus.
According to the hospital management, the diagnosis of Congo virus was confirmed earlier Friday morning, based on laboratory test results. Despite medical efforts, the patient’s condition deteriorated, and he succumbed to the illness.
Earlier in June, Zubair, a 26-year-old man from Karachi’s Ibrahim Hyderi and a 42-year-old man from Malir had died of the disease.
The Congo virus can be transmitted through tick bites or through contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals, particularly during slaughter. There is currently no vaccine available.