Health officials have confirmed two additional cases of the Congo virus in Balochistan, with patients from Quetta and Loralai districts. This brings the total number of infections in the region to 26 for the year.

The latest cases involve a 55-year-old man from Quetta and a 60-year-old from Loralai, both of whom have been admitted to the isolation ward at Fatima Jinnah Chest and TB Hospital for specialized care.

Hospital sources have raised alarms as the virus has already resulted in five fatalities in 2024, the most recent being on August 16 in Quetta.

Medical professionals are urging the public to take serious precautions to prevent further spread of the virus, officially known as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF).

Dr. Shireen Khan, a prominent chest physician, emphasized the need for public awareness, advising people to avoid direct contact with livestock, use insect repellents, and wear protective clothing, particularly in rural areas.

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The Balochistan health department is intensifying efforts to control the outbreak and has urged residents to report any symptoms immediately.

CCHF, a tick-borne viral disease, poses significant health risks, primarily transmitted through infected ticks or direct contact with contaminated animals. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, especially in healthcare settings.