Congo virus patient dies in Peshawar hospital

PESHAWAR: A man suffering from Congo virus died in a private hospital of the city on Wednesday.

The deceased, Waheedullah Afridi, was diagnosed with the virus around a week ago. Subsequently, he was admitted to North West General Hospital in the provincial capital for treatment.

Waheedullah belonged to Jamrud, Khyber Agency and had come to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia six months ago. Before moving to Saudi Arabia, he was playing hockey on a local level.

So far, at least three suspected cases of Congo virus have been reported in Peshawar. The sample from patients suspected of having Congo virus have been sent to National Institute of Health Islamabad.

The fear of Congo virus spreading among people is increasing as cattle markets have started popping up in the city, like in many others in the country. 

Sacrificial animals are feared to be carrying the virus, which is why people prefer to buy them a day or two ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.