Karachi: A 17-year-old boy has died of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Karachi, marking the first reported death from the virus in Sindh this year, hospital officials said on Thursday.
The patient, a resident of Tando Muhammad Khan, had tested positive for the virus a day earlier and was under treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, where his condition deteriorated and he could not survive, officials confirmed.
According to hospital authorities, the teenager was brought to Karachi with high fever and bleeding symptoms, which are consistent with advanced stages of the infection. His clinical condition remained critical despite medical intervention.
Health officials said the patient was involved in livestock handling, raising strong suspicion that the infection was acquired through contact with animals or tick bites, which are known to transmit the virus.
Medical experts explained that CCHF is primarily transmitted to humans through bites of infected ticks found on animals, particularly cattle, goats and sheep, or through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission can also occur in healthcare settings if infection prevention measures are not strictly followed.
The death comes ahead of Eidul Azha, a period associated with increased movement, trading and handling of sacrificial animals, which experts say significantly raises the risk of transmission.
Doctors have urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures, including wearing gloves while handling animals, maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding direct contact with animal blood, and seeking immediate medical care in case of symptoms such as sudden fever, body aches or bleeding.
Sindh health authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and surveillance has been heightened, while the public has been advised to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety guidelines to prevent further infections.
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