With Eidul Azha drawing near and heatwaves intensifying across southern Pakistan, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued advisories to counter the twin threats of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and heatstroke.
Provincial health departments, including those in AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad, have been instructed to implement necessary safety protocols and prepare facilities in line with established SOPs. The NIH has also urged authorities to initiate public awareness campaigns focusing on preventive measures during Eid celebrations.
Also Raed: NIH Releases Advisory On New Coronavirus Variant Precautions
CCHF, a deadly viral hemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of 10 to 40 percent, poses a seasonal risk—especially during Eidul Azha due to increased animal slaughter. The virus is typically transmitted through contact with infected animal blood or tissues and can also spread from human to human through bodily fluids.
To mitigate the risk, the NIH strongly advises using protective gloves and clothing when handling animals and ensuring safe disposal of animal waste. These steps, along with heatstroke prevention methods, are vital in safeguarding public health during the festive period.
