Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Pakistan (Karachi)

27 Sep 2017

The number of deaths from Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Karachi this year has risen to 6. A 52-year-old man became ill after the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Adha when he had participated in slaughtering animals. He died on 12 September 2017.

This year, 4 residents of Quetta have died of CCHF at the Aga Khan University Hospital. The two Karachi residents who have died were at the South City Hospital and the Liaquat National Hospital.

Advice for Travellers

CCHF is found in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe/the Balkans and the Middle East. It is a low risk for the average traveller; it is spread by infected ticks from a reservoir usually in animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. CCHF can also be transmitted by contact with the blood of an infected animal. Avoidance of tick bites is essential in risk areas.

For further information see Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever.