Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Pakistan

27 Jun 2023

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 an infection spread by tick bites that can cause a severe viral illness accompanied by bleeding.  It is found in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern/Southern Europe.

Advice for Travellers 

CCHF is extremely rare in travellers. The risk is higher if you are travelling to an area where the infection occurs and will be:

• at increased risk of tick bites, for example whilst camping, hiking, visiting farms or animal sanctuaries
• involved in the care or slaughter of animals
• a healthcare worker who may be exposed to infected patients

If you are travelling to a high risk area, you need to be aware of the disease and how to prevent becoming infected by:

• avoiding tick-bites
• following appropriate infection control procedures if you are working in a health care setting
• wearing gloves and other protective clothing if you are involved in the care or slaughter of animals.

There is no vaccine available for use against CCHF in the UK.

See the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever page for further information.