Pakistan issues advisory on Congo virus and heatstroke risks
Listen to article
Pakistan's National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued public health advisories on the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and rising risks from heatwaves and sunstroke as climate-related challenges intensify across the country.
The advisory urges healthcare institutions and relevant authorities to implement timely and appropriate measures to prevent disease outbreaks during the summer months.
CCHF, a potentially fatal viral disease, is caused by the Nairovirus and is commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, particularly those found on livestock such as goats, sheep, and rabbits.
The virus can also be transmitted through contact with blood or tissues of infected animals, especially during or after slaughter.
Human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly in clinical or domestic settings. According to NIH data, 61 cases of CCHF were reported in Pakistan in 2024.
The advisory recommends wearing light-coloured clothing, which makes ticks more visible, Express News reported.
Citizens are also advised to avoid visiting areas with heavy tick infestations and to remove any visible ticks from skin or clothing using safe techniques.
In a separate note, the NIH warned of the growing health risks posed by heatwaves and sunstroke, as Pakistan faces intensified climate impacts, including rising temperatures due to global warming. The advisory highlights that heatwave-related illnesses and deaths are likely to increase in the coming years.
To prevent heatstroke, the NIH strongly recommends avoiding direct sunlight, staying hydrated, and taking other precautionary measures to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.
Health experts caution that the frequency and severity of climate-linked diseases are increasing, and stress the need for public awareness and preparedness ahead of the summer season.
Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a heatwave alert, forecasting unusually high temperatures across much of Sindh province through April 18.
Under the current conditions, daytime maximum temperatures in districts including Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Jacobabad, Larkana, and Sukkur are expected to remain 6 to 8°C above normal, Express News reported.
Similarly, in Badin, Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Hyderabad districts, temperatures may exceed normal ranges by 4 to 6°C, according to the department.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
G-B: 1st wild poliovirus case of year reported
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday reported first wild poliovirus case in District Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), a region which was considered polio virus free for years. According to the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH), a new case of wild poliovirus was reported in District Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan. This is the first case of wild poliovirus reported from Gilgit-Baltistan and the 11th confirmed case in Pakistan this year. The third nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2025, which began on 26 May, concluded Sunday. The campaign successfully reached over 45 million children under five years of age across 159 districts, including high-risk areas of the country. Polio is a highly infectious and debilitating disease with no cure. The only way to protect children is through repeated doses of the oral polio vaccine for all children under five as well as the timely completion of all vaccines offered as part of the essential immunisation schedule. The programme is calling on all parents to ensure their children do not miss out on any opportunity to receive polio drops. Every dose of polio vaccine provides an opportunity to further strengthen immunity and protection against lifelong paralysis. With polio still a threat, community support is vital—no child should be missed. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
SLIC to introduce lifetime pension product for retired govt employees
Listen to article The State Life Insurance Corporation (SLIC) has decided to introduce a lifetime pension product for all retired government employees. The corporation will also offer its policyholders the largest bonus in its history this year. Additionally, SLIC is collaborating with the Sindh government to improve primary healthcare in the province, with a working group already established for this purpose. This was shared by SLIC CEO Shoaib Javed Hussain during an exclusive interview with Express News on Thursday. Dr Aftab Imam, Executive Director of State Life Insurance, was also present at the meeting. Hussain stated that the draft of the proposed pension scheme would be ready within a month, after which it would be sent to the federal government for approval. He further explained that the scheme would be accessible to individuals aged 70 and above, allowing retired employees to benefit from it. In this regard, the corporation has also acquired the VPS licence from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The pension scheme is expected to be launched later this year. On another front, SLIC is working with the Sindh government to enhance primary healthcare in the province. A working group, led by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has been formed to oversee the implementation of healthcare projects in Sindh. Responding to a query, Hussain highlighted the remarkable growth in the corporation's group insurance segment, attributing its success to competitive pricing and superior services. Similarly, the growth of Takaful products has been highly encouraging. Regarding the Health Card Scheme introduced for media workers, Hussain revealed that journalists in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab have been utilising the health cards extensively. However, the use of health cards in Karachi by journalists remains limited. In response, the SLIC, in collaboration with the Karachi Press Club, will launch a dedicated awareness campaign to inform journalists about the benefits of the health card scheme.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business Recorder
Gilgit-Baltistan registers first case of polio this year
Gilgit-Baltistan reported its first case of wild poliovirus in District Diamer, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health confirmed on Monday. This is the 11th case in Pakistan this year. The third nationwide polio vaccination campaign began on May 26, and concluded on Sunday. 'The campaign successfully reached over 45 million children under five years of age across 159 districts, including high-risk areas of the country,' the Pakistan's Polio Eradication Programme said in a notification. Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari urged the citizens, including the media, teachers, religious scholars and the community, to create awareness and extend their support to the polio vaccination drive and dispel the allied misconceptions to achieve a polio-free Pakistan. 'I call on parents to open their doors to vaccinators, ensuring every child receives the life-saving polio drops. I urge teachers, religious leaders, and community elders to champion this noble cause, dispelling myths and building trust. I appeal to the media to amplify the truth: the polio vaccine is safe, effective, and our best weapon,' the president Tuesday said in his message on the occasion of the countrywide polio eradication campaign launched on Monday targeting 45.4 million under-five children.
