KARACHI: A devastating blow hit the medical community as one of the ten doctors and hospital staff members from Quetta, who fell prey to the lethal Congo virus, tragically lost the battle while undergoing treatment at a Karachi hospital.
The incident prompted the Sindh health department to issue a cautionary alert to hospitals throughout the region, while the Balochistan government declared a province-wide red alert.
Nearly ten doctors at the Civil Hospital, Quetta, had contracted the Congo Virus while attending to an infected patient in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These medical professionals have been urgently transferred to Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) for specialised medical care, with six of them currently in critical condition, necessitating immediate blood and platelet donations.
This distressing situation has sounded an alarm within the medical community, emphasising the urgent need for support to combat the virus's impact. Approximately 47 pints of blood and platelets are urgently required for their treatment and recovery.
During the outbreak tremendous dedication has been exhibited by healthcare workers who continue to provide vital care to patients, even amidst serious risks. Collaborative efforts between the medical community and local authorities are underway to ensure that the affected doctors receive the necessary medical attention and support during this challenging time.
In response to an advisory, medical facilities across Sindh have been directed to swiftly implement precautionary measures against the highly contagious Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.
Sources within the health department revealed that Dr Shukarullah was diagnosed with the Congo virus three days prior and was subsequently admitted to a hospital in Karachi, where he tragically lost his battle against the disease. He was a devoted member of the Quetta Civil Hospital staff and was among the eight hospital employees, including five doctors, who contracted the virus.
A spokesperson from Aga Khan Hospital confirmed the admission of Congo virus-infected patients to the hospital's ICU, with stringent safety protocols in place for all medical staff.
The outbreak of the Congo virus in Quetta has raised concerns, especially after a new case was reported, bringing the total number of cases for the year to 42. The virus was detected in a 35-year-old woman admitted to Fatima Jinnah Hospital.
The Balochistan health department promptly dispatched samples from affected patients to the National Institute of Health (NIH) for further analysis.
So far, the Sindh health department has reported no cases of Congo fever in Karachi. Nevertheless, they have initiated the establishment of a dedicated Congo control cell to remain vigilant.
The occurrence of Congo virus cases in Quetta at this time is unusual, as the virus typically surfaces during the Eidul Azha season, often transmitted through tick bites on animal skin.
The health department has issued a stern warning, urging healthcare workers and the public to take immediate precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the Congo virus. This includes isolating suspected or confirmed cases, providing appropriate personal protective equipment such as gowns, gloves, masks, and eye protection to healthcare workers, and strictly implementing infection control measures, including disinfection and sterilization procedures.
Hospitals across the province have been directed to adopt standard precautions for handling blood and body fluids, establish protocols for decontamination, and implement a triage system for isolating and prioritizing patients. Furthermore, individuals who have been in contact with suspected or confirmed cases should be identified and monitored for symptoms.
The health department has also called for the designation of a focal person to whom suspected or confirmed cases can be reported, along with their contact details.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki extended his condolences to the family of Dr. Shukarullah. CM Domki revealed that three doctors, one consultant, a staff nurse, and two paramedical staff members were transported to Karachi for treatment via air ambulance.
He assured that the Balochistan government would cover the expenses of the doctors and medical assistants being treated at Aga Khan Hospital.
CM Domki directed the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all civil hospitals and other medical institutions, emphasising the establishment of a special ward in Quetta to provide better treatment facilities for all suspected virus-infected individuals.
