Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Pakistan

Public health authorities in Pakistan have reported a total of 84 cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) from 1 January 2023 to the beginning of June 2023. Of these cases, 81 were in Balochistan and 3 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Five of these people have died.

People are advised to avoid infection during the feast of Eid al-Adha beghinning on 28 June 2023.

CCHF is a potentially fatal tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever. It is found in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern/Southern Europe.

Advice for Travellers

CCHF is spread by ticks infected from an animal reservoir such as cattle, sheep and goats. It can also be transmitted by having contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected animal or person.

CCHF is extremely rare in travellers. Those with an increased risk are those visiting an endemic region who may:

• have an increased likelihood of tick bites during activities such as hiking, camping in rural areas or visiting farms
• be involved in animal slaughter, for example during religious or cultural events
• be travelling for veterinary or medical work reasons

Travellers with an increased risk of infection should be aware of the disease and prevent transmission by:

• practicing tick bite avoidance measures when partaking in outdoor activities
• following appropriate infection control procedures if working in a health care setting
• wearing gloves and other protective clothing while handling animals or their tissues, notably during slaughtering, butchering and culling procedures

There is no vaccine available for use in the UK.

For further information see the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever page.