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RAWALPINDI, Jun 21 (APP):A suspected case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), reported in Attock, has died. The patient, Majid Khan, a 24-year-old male, participated in the sacrificial meat distribution when exposed to the Congo virus.
Dr. Talib, spokesman for the District Health Authority (DHA) Attock, confirmed APP that the patient, Majid belonged to Ghurghushti, Tehsil Hazro, Attock District, passed away on June 15, 2025, at Holy Family Hospital (HFH) Rawalpindi. Majid’s symptoms began on June 8, with fever, vomiting, and loose motions. Initially, he was admitted to THQ Hospital Hazro on June 12, 2025, with a platelet count of 9,000 and was referred to HFH Rawalpindi on June 13, 2025. He was preliminarily diagnosed with Dengue Shock Syndrome, which later led to suspicion of CCHF.
Dr. Talib informed that Majid had no animals at his residence but had visited the sacrificial cattle market before Eid-ul-Azha.
On the other hand, the first case of Congo in Rawalpindi district has been reported in Holy Family Hospital. Rashid Mumtaz, a 38-year-old tailor from Model Town, Wah Cantt, Taxila is currently stable and isolated in the hospital’s Medical Intensive Care Unit (M-ICU) after being confirmed as the first CCHF case in Rawalpindi during the year 2025.
According to the details, the patient was admitted in the hospital on June 17, 2025, showing symptoms on June 15, including high-grade fever, body aches, gum bleeding, and hematemesis. Laboratory results revealed a white blood cell count of 1,910, a platelet count of 4,100, and chest X-ray infiltrates.
Dr. Waqar, the spokesman District Health Authority (DHA) informed that investigations indicate that Rashid participated in the slaughtering of sacrificial animals on Eid-ul-Azha. He said that the preliminary contact tracing has identified two symptomatic individuals; Junaid Khan, a 19-year-old male from Mansehra is cousin of the patient, is experiencing fever and body pain and has been isolated at Holy Family Hospital whose PCR test results are awaited. Ibrahim, a 14-year-old male from Wah Cantt, is showing fever and signs of infection, and is isolated at Wah General Hospital, with blood samples sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH) for testing, also awaiting PCR results.
“All necessary barrier nursing controls have been strictly implemented for the affected individuals” said Dr. Waqar.
He confirmed that In 2025, Rawalpindi reported six Congo screenings; one negative case (a DVM student from Arid Agriculture University), one confirmed case from Wah with two suspected contacts awaiting PCR results, one positive case from Attock who died, and one suspected case from AJK awaiting PCR confirmation. Health authorities are monitoring closely with control measures in place.
The spokesman further informed that 18 other identified contacts remain asymptomatic and are under quarantine for fever surveillance.
“A joint response with the livestock department has been initiated, including indoor residual spraying (IRS) and vector surveillance in the affected areas to curb potential spread”, he added while highlighting the intensified surveillance drive by the health authority.
In a brief interaction with APP, Dr. Waqar highlighted that authorities were closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety.
He urged the citizens to remain cognizant of the precautionary measures and immediately report to the hospital in case of any related symptoms for the diagnostic and treatment.