KARACHI: A 32-year-old butcher has been diagnosed with Congo fever in Karachi, marking the first case of the viral disease in Pakistan this year, officials said on Thursday.
The patient, who hails from the Pan Mandi area of the city, was initially admitted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) with a high fever, according to Dr. Nausheen Ahmed, deputy director at the medical facility.
“A 32-year-old male was brought in with a high fever and was diagnosed with Congo fever,” she told Arab News.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe tick-borne viral illness with a case fatality rate of up to 40 percent, according to the World Health Organization.
It is endemic in parts of Africa, Europe and Asia. Humans can contract the disease through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues, particularly during or immediately after slaughter.
The majority of cases have occurred in people involved in the livestock industry, such as agricultural workers, slaughterhouse employees and veterinarians.
Ahmed confirmed that the patient had come into contact with animals due to the nature of his job.
“The patient is a butcher by profession and was infected by the animals,” she said while sharing the patient’s history.
According to Dr. Yahya Tunio, the JPMC executive deputy director, the patient’s condition was critical, and he had been transferred to the Sindh Institute of Infectious Diseases for specialized care.
The Sindh Health Department issued a warning to the public to exercise caution when handling animals ahead of Eid Al-Adha this year. Muslims sacrifice sheep, goats, cows or camels during the festivity and distribute meat among family, friends and those in need.
Symptoms of Congo fever include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
Health practitioners advise that anyone experiencing these symptoms after coming into contact with animals should seek immediate medical attention.
This is the second reported case of Congo fever in Karachi in less than a year.
In November 2023, a 42-year-old man from the city’s East District was diagnosed with the virus.
Karachi reports first Congo fever case this year after 32-year-old butcher falls ill
https://arab.news/j8bgx
Karachi reports first Congo fever case this year after 32-year-old butcher falls ill
- Last November, a 42-year-old resident of the city was diagnosed with the virus
- Congo fever can be fatal and cause headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue
Pakistan’s first non-life Shariah-compliant takaful operator plans share sale in January
- Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited plans to raise up to $1.5 million through initial public offering
- Institutional investors will get 75% of shares, while the remaining 25% will go to retail investors
KARACHI: Pakistan’s first dedicated non-life Shariah-compliant takaful operator said on Monday it will launch an initial public offering this month, seeking to raise up to Rs 420 million ($1.5 million) as Islamic finance gains traction in the country’s capital markets.
The company, Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited, said it would issue 30 million shares, with a floor price of Rs 10 and a ceiling price of Rs 14 per share. Institutional investors will receive 75% of the shares on offer, while the remaining 25% will be allocated to retail investors.
“Arif Habib Limited has been mandated by Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited to act as the consultant and book runner for raising funds through the initial public offering,” it announced in a statement.
The book-building process for the offering will take place on Jan. 21-22, it added, with investor registration opening on Jan. 16, while public subscriptions are scheduled for Jan. 28-29.
The offering follows the recent listing of Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited, which raised Rs 901 million ($3.23 million) last month in Pakistan’s first Islamic insurance sector IPO, an issue that was oversubscribed several times.
Proceeds from the IPO will be used to strengthen the company’s capital base and support investments in technology, infrastructure and branch expansion, said the statement.
Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited is part of Pakistan’s pioneer Islamic financial services group and is backed by Qatar-based financial institutions.
