KARACHI: A 25-year-old fisherman from Karachi’s Bin Qasim Town has died from Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), marking the city’s second confirmed death from the virus this year, health authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The victim, identified as Mohammad Zubair, was a resident of Qur’angi Creek and had been involved in butchering animals during the first two days of Eid Al-Adha, June 7 and 8. According to the District Health Officer (DHO) Malir, Zubair developed high-grade fever, muscle pain, and bleeding symptoms on June 13, days after his contact with animal blood and tissue without any protective gear.
A health report confirmed that Zubair visited a local hospital in Ibrahim Hyderi initially but was discharged the same day. His condition worsened and he sought treatment at Creek General Hospital, but was not admitted due to a lack of available beds. On June 16, he was admitted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) as a suspected CCHF case. After being referred to Sindh Infectious Disease Hospital & Research Centre (SIDH), he was placed on ventilator support but passed away on Thursday morning.
“Active search of case was done surrounding that area, no any other case was found,” a notification from health authorities stated. Officials confirmed that Zubair’s family members are currently symptom-free, and contact tracing efforts are underway.
This fatality comes shortly after a 42-year-old resident of Malir district died of the Congo virus on June 17. The man had tested positive for CCHF on June 16 at Indus Hospital in Korangi, according to the Sindh Health Ministry. A follow-up visit to his residence by officials found the door locked.
The CCHF virus, often referred to as the Congo virus, is primarily transmitted through tick bites or direct contact with infected animal blood and tissues during or shortly after slaughter. The World Health Organization notes a fatality rate of 10–40 percent for the virus, with no approved vaccine currently available.
The health department also stated, “He had slaughtered animals on Eid without observing protective measure to avoid the disease.” The victim had also visited the cattle market prior to developing symptoms.
As Eid-related animal handling activities increase risk, the Sindh health authorities have launched awareness campaigns in affected neighborhoods and have advised the public to use protective gear and practice hygiene when dealing with livestock.
In response to rising infections, the Provincial Disease Surveillance and Response Unit (PDSRU) has activated a daily alert system monitoring 35 diseases across Sindh. Officials in Malir were directed to investigate and report CCHF cases promptly.
Elsewhere in the country, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also reported a troubling rise in CCHF fatalities. According to the province’s health adviser, three patients have died recently at the Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC). The deceased included Naik Shad from South Waziristan, Aizaz, 28, and Shafiullah, 70, both from Karak.
“These lives could have been saved with timely care and awareness,” said KP Health Adviser Ehtesham Ali. He emphasized the need for public vigilance during the ongoing Eid period and urged cooperation with authorities to prevent further spread.
Since its first reported case in 1976, Pakistan has experienced sporadic CCHF outbreaks, particularly during religious festivals involving large-scale animal sacrifice. Last year, Balochistan recorded 23 cases and five deaths.
As of now, both Karachi and KP remain on high alert, with contact tracing, sanitation, and health surveillance actively ongoing.