In a concerning development, the Health Department of the Government of Balochistan has confirmed 8 cases of Congo Virus among doctors and paramedics at Sandeman Provincial Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in Quetta.
Initially, the outbreak was suspected to be caused by an unknown pathogen, leading to the hospital staff’s illness. There were concerns that it might be a new variant of COVID-19 or possibly related to COVID, influenza, CCHF, dengue, or other microorganisms present on ICU equipment like beds, chairs, ventilators, and oxygen lines.
Currently, blood samples from 17 doctors, staff, and nurses are being tested for CCHF, and PCR testing for CCHF is underway. Samples for dengue, COVID, and influenza will be collected from all symptomatic individuals tomorrow, as health authorities work to identify the source and nature of the outbreak. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
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