Eid Alert: Zoonotic Disease Risk Soars!

With Eidul Azha imminent, health experts are highlighting a significant rise in the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and environmental pollution. Concerns are particularly focused on the potential spread of Congo Crimean Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a viral illness with a high fatality rate, which has no available vaccine.

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) emphasizes that the upcoming festival provides amplified opportunities for exposure to livestock, potentially straining healthcare systems. They advocate for the activation of high-containment isolation wards and the provision of personal protective equipment for medical staff. District authorities are urged to enforce safety protocols for butchers.

Preventive measures for the public include applying insect repellents, checking livestock for ticks, and wearing protective clothing and closed footwear. When handling or slaughtering animals, wearing gloves, masks, and aprons is crucial to avoid direct contact with blood and fluids. Proper and immediate disposal of animal waste is also recommended.

Experts explain that Congo virus is transmitted via infected ticks found on livestock or through direct contact with infected animals' bodily fluids during or after slaughter. Human-to-human transmission is also possible. Early symptoms can mimic other diseases like dengue or malaria, underscoring the need for immediate medical attention if livestock exposure is a factor.

Preventive strategies also include purchasing healthy animals, ensuring veterinary examinations, maintaining personal hygiene, using designated slaughter areas, and safely disposing of waste. Food-borne illnesses are also noted as common during Eid, often linked to repeated thawing and reheating of meat.