Congo Virus Kills 13, Infects 42 in Herat

Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has killed 13 people in Herat this year, with another 42 being treated for the deadly virus. CCHF is a viral disease. Symptoms may include fever, muscle pains, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding into the skin. The CCHF virus is typically spread by tick bites or contact with livestock carrying the disease. Health officials in Herat advised people to be careful these days due to increased interaction with livestock in the wake of Eidul Adha, when Muslims across the globe slaughter millions of animals. According to the World Health Organisation, CCHF’s mortality rate is about 30 percent and is endemic to Africa, the Balkans and Ukraine, the Middle East and Central Asia. Provincial Public Health Director Abdul Hakim Tamana said many people lost their lives to the Congo virus in the province this year. He added 55 Congo cases were registered in the civil hospital since late March and of the patients, 15 had died. He further stated that the deceased included seven men and six women.