More Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Pakistan

Sporadic cases of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever continue to be reported in Pakistan, specifically in Punjab province and the Karachi area. Nationwide, there have been almost 50 cases registered. In Karachi, there have been 19 suspected cases and 6 deaths.

While the risk for the general traveller is quite low, persons returning to ancestral villages may come in contact with cattle and/or the ticks that carry this infection.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever virus is generally transmitted from cattle and sheep to humans by exposure to infected animal blood or by bites from infected ticks. Removal of ticks from animals using unprotected hands is often a source of infection. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure to this infection by taking all necessary precautions to avoid tick bites, especially when in contact with cattle or other livestock in areas where this virus is common.