Pakistan Medical Association For Urgent Precautionary Measures Against Cattle Induced Crimean-Congo Infection And Associated Hemorrhagic Fever

Secretary General, Pakistan Medical Association ( PMA-Centre), Dr. S.M.Qaisar Sajjad has called upon the authorities to ensure urgent precautions against public exposure to cattle induced Crimean-Congo infection and associated Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) The senior doctor talking to APP said Congo fever cases being increasingly reported from different parts of the country demanded that fool proof precautionary measures are adopted at every level prevent any possible outbreak of the disease.

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Aug, 2018 ) :Secretary General, Pakistan Medical Association ( PMA-Centre), Dr. S.M.Qaisar Sajjad has called upon the authorities to ensure urgent precautions against public exposure to cattle induced Crimean-Congo infection and associated Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) The senior doctor talking to APP said Congo fever cases being increasingly reported from different parts of the country demanded that fool proof precautionary measures are adopted at every level prevent any possible outbreak of the disease.

Besides mandatory vaccination of all categories of cattle reaching different regular and makeshift markets so as to be sold as sacrificial animals their handlers as well as people visiting these sites must also be encouraged to ensure due care towards their hygiene.

"Children must not be allowed to get very close to the animals while people in general must be cautious while scrutinizing the animal they intend to purchase in realizing an obligation," said the PMA official.

He advised the visitors to these markets to wear full sleeved shirts and full pants or trousers besides shoes with socks so as to avoid any possible insect bite and to also necessarily inspect themselves for ticks besides taking bath once reaching back home.

Dr.

Qaisar Sajjad emphasized that veterinary staff must necessarily remain present in the markets so as to keep strict vigil on cattle besides examining veracity of health fitness certificate issued to these.

As for those realizing their religious obligations in a week's time, PMA official said people must apply insect repellent on the exposed areas of body.

"While slaughtering the animal all those doing the job and those who may come into close contact with flesh and blood of animal must wear gloves and cover their mouth and nose with a mask," he said emphasizing that hands, under all conditions must always be washed immediately after removing gloves.

Cattle handlers were further advised to keep animal excreta and waste separately in plastic sheets as they may have ticks and also not to dispose off related waste, offal and or blood on the street.

"In case a person may have contracted the infection he or she must be referred to doctor and must not be brought into direct contact children in particular and people in general," said PMA General Secretary.

He reminded that symptoms as high fever, muscular ache, backache, headache, vomiting, severe bruising and bleeding through nose must not be ignored and person concerned must be immediately referred to the physician.