On September 29, 2020, the Palghar administration of Maharashtra has directed district level officials to be vigilant against the possible spread of Congo Fever in Palghar district.

Congo Fever key points:

The Palghar district administration said that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘Congo Fever’ is a matter of concern for cattle breeders, meat sellers and animal husbandry officials and caution is necessary at this time as there is no specific and useful treatment.
- It is worth noting that many cases of CCHF have been found in some districts of Gujarat, so it is likely to spread in the border districts of Maharashtra.
- Palghar district of Maharashtra is close to Valsad district of Gujarat.

How is Congo fever transmitted? (Infection spread)

This viral disease is transmitted from one animal to another by a special type of tick.
This disease is transmitted to humans by coming in contact with the blood of infected animals or eating meat of infected animals.
Transmission of the disease from human-to-human can occur as a result of close contact with infected individuals’ bleeding, organs, or other bodily fluids.

Risk of infection:

If this disease is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, 30% of the patients die.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus causes an outbreak of severe viral hemorrhagic fever in the event of a mortality rate of 10 to 40% during this disease.

‘Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever’ or Congo Fever:

‘Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever- CCHF’, commonly known as ‘Congo Fever‘, is transmitted to humans through the Hyalomma Tick.
CCHF is a widespread disease caused by the tick-borne virus of the Bunyaviridae family, namely Nairovirus. Hence, it is a viral disease.