25 July 2014 - The disease early warning system (DEWS) of Pakistan has recently detected a seasonal spike of human infections of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. From 30 March to 20 July 2014, a total of 42 cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, including 10 deaths (case-fatality rate: 24%) have been reported across the country. Of these reported infections, 22 cases have been laboratory-confirmed.
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is endemic in Pakistan. However, since last year, human infections caused by the virus have been occurring throughout the year and in wide geographic areas of the country. The WHO country office in Pakistan is working closely with the National Institute of Health in Islamabad and other provincial health authorizes to contain the seasonal spike and prevent its spread from endemic foci to other non-endemic areas. Surveillance and laboratory diagnosis for early detection of cases, infection control measures in health care facilities and risk communication have been strengthened in traditional hotspots in the country.
Human infections of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever reported from various provinces in Pakistan, 2012-2014
| Province | 2012 | 2013 | 2014* | |||
| Cases | Deaths | Cases | Deaths | Cases | Deaths | |
|
AJK |
0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
|
Sindh |
7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
|
Punjab |
8 | 3 | 18 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Islamabad | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 9 | 5 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 0 |
|
Balochistan |
38 | 7 | 66 | 9 | 17 | 1 |
| Total | 62 | 18 | 100 | 20 | 34 | 7< |
* Up to 20 July 2014. Cases include both laboratory-confirmed and suspected cases.
