Saira Afzal Tarar Minister for National Health
Services taking cognizance of reports of Congo fever in Bahawalpur
district of Punjab has directed National Institute of Health to provide
all out support to Punjab Health Department in meeting the challenges.
Ordering cancellation of weekend holidays of relevant staff of
laboratories and field epidemiology division of NIH, the minister
directed that all samples received at the NIH from suspected cases be
tested and report shared with the Punjab Government in the shortest
possible time. The minister further directed the federal epidemic
response team to be on high alert and be ready to be dispatched should
the Provincial govt require their help.
According to details a surgeon in Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital Dr.
Sageer Sameega was admitted on 25.7.2016 in the hospital with 5-6 days
history of symptoms of fever, sore throat and diarrhea. Dengue test was
negative. He was shifted to Agha Khan University Hospital, Karachi on
27.7.2016 and was diagnosed as CCHF positive on 28.7.2016. He died on
30th July 2016. It was reported that he may have acquired the virus
during surgery performed on a patient named Nadia Hina (Student Nurse at
DHQ Hospital Lodhran), who underwent laparotomy at the hospital and was
labeled as hemorrhagic peritonitis. She reportedly had history of
contact with livestock during visit to her relatives. She also died
later on 17th July 2016. Another doctor named Dr. Awais who assisted Dr.
Sagheer also developed symptoms of fever and sore throat for the last 5
days and is on ventilator at Agha Khan University Hospital Karachi. He
has been put on antiviral therapy as well.
Special expert team constituted and dispatched for epidemiological
investigation by Punjab government 5 Theatre and ward staff of BVH and
close contacts are under observation and 4 close contacts are in
quarantine. Samples sent to NIH, Islamabad for laboratory testing
Livestock department has been contacted for ticks identification and
preventive measures 25 Family members and all 25 close contacts of staff
nurse at Lodhran are in quarantine and are being observed for 14 days.
Their samples have also been sent to NIH, Islamabad Dr. Awais and his
family is also under observation and samples sent to NIH Islamabad.
Monitoring for fever twice in a day for consecutive 14 days for all
contacts and to report immediately to hospital in case of fever 2500
Personal Protective kits for doctors and paramedics sent to Bahawalpur
and 1000 kits for Lodhran.
