Sindh reports first Congo virus death

A 17-year-old boy has died of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), commonly known as Congo virus, in Karachi, marking the first reported death due to the virus in Sindh this year, health officials said on Thursday.

The deceased teenager was a resident of Tando Muhammad Khan. He had tested positive for the virus a day earlier and was under treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, where his condition deteriorated, and he could not survive.

According to the hospital authorities, the teenager was brought to Karachi with high fever and bleeding symptoms, which were consistent with the advanced stages of the infection. His clinical condition remained critical despite medical intervention.

Health officials said the patient was involved in livestock handling, raising strong suspicion that the infection was acquired through contact with animals or tick bites known to transmit the virus.