Rajasthan Woman Dies of Congo Fever: Health Guidelines Issued

Congo fever case: A 51-year-old woman from Rajasthan passed away on Wednesday after contracting Congo fever. She was receiving treatment at a hospital in Ahmedabad when she died. Her blood sample tested positive for the virus, and she was treated at NHL Municipal Medical College in Ahmedabad.

Transmission and Health Response

Congo fever is caused by a virus that is primarily spread through tick bites and contact with infected livestock. In response to the woman's death, the medical and health department of Rajasthan has issued guidelines for both private and government healthcare facilities to help prevent the disease's spread.

The National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed the presence of the virus in her blood sample. Following this, the Chief Medical and Health Officer of Jodhpur has been tasked with sending a rapid response team to the area to trace any suspected cases.

Rapid Response Measures

The rapid response team has been instructed to identify and isolate any suspected or symptomatic patients in the vicinity to control the outbreak. Additionally, the authorities have directed the Animal Husbandry Department to take necessary measures to prevent and manage the disease.

Symptoms of Congo Fever

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) can appear suddenly. They include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Dizziness
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Backache
• Headache
  Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Other early symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sore throat, which can escalate to mood swings and confusion. After two to four days, patients may experience sleepiness, depression, and abdominal pain.

Testing Guidelines

The health guidelines emphasize that if anyone shows symptoms of Congo fever, a blood sample should be taken immediately and sent for examination.

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This tragic incident highlights the importance of awareness and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Congo fever in the state.