Sindh has recorded its first fatality from Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in 2025, after a 42-year-old man from Karachi’s Malir district succumbed to the deadly virus earlier this week.

According to provincial health officials, the patient was admitted to Indus Hospital in Korangi on June 16 after testing positive for the hemorrhagic virus. Despite medical intervention, he passed away the following day, on June 17.

Authorities noted that the patient had no recent travel history, indicating possible local transmission of the virus, which raises concerns about community-level exposure.

CCHF is a highly contagious viral illness caused by a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus). It can spread to humans through tick bites or direct contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals, especially during the slaughtering process. The disease is marked by sudden high fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and in severe cases, bleeding from various parts of the body.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that CCHF has a case fatality rate ranging between 10% and 40%, depending on the quality of healthcare available. There is currently no approved vaccine for CCHF, making early detection and prevention essential.

In light of the upcoming Eidul Azha, when large-scale movement and handling of livestock is expected across Pakistan, the National Institute of Health (NIH) had earlier issued an advisory in April. It emphasized the importance of personal protection, recommending the use of insect repellents, protective clothing, and avoiding direct contact with animal blood or tissues.

Health experts warn that the risk of CCHF increases significantly during this festive season due to unregulated animal trade and poor hygiene conditions at temporary slaughterhouses and animal markets.

This latest death serves as a grim reminder of the virus’s presence in the region and underscores the need for public education, early diagnosis, and strict adherence to preventive measures to avoid further infections.

Health authorities in Sindh have urged the public, especially those involved in animal handling and slaughtering, to take extreme caution and follow hygiene protocols to curb the spread of the virus.