Peshawar, With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah has issued comprehensive guidelines to prevent the spread of Congo fever, an infectious disease that could escalate due to the increased interaction with livestock during the festival. The directives focus on stringent preventive measures across all cattle markets in the province.
According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Minister Shah has instructed commissioners to ensure the implementation of enhanced safety protocols, including the mandatory use of mosquito repellents and the setting up of mosquito nets at the entrances of all cattle markets. Markets failing to comply with these measures are to be sealed immediately to prevent any risk of the virus spreading.
The Health Minister’s message underscores the risk of transmission from handling the organs and blood of infected animals. He strongly advises that all individuals visiting livestock markets wear protective masks and use mosquito repellents consistently. Additionally, specific precautions during the slaughter of animals, such as the use of butcher’s tales and other protective gear, have been mandated to minimize the contact with potentially infected animal fluids.
These preventive strategies are part of a broader effort by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to safeguard public health during significant cultural and religious gatherings, particularly when the purchase and slaughter of animals are involved.