As summer approaches and climate-related challenges escalate, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued urgent public health advisories, warning of increased risks from Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), heatwave, and sunstroke.
The NIH has called on healthcare providers and relevant authorities to adopt preventive steps to curb potential disease outbreaks during the hot months. The advisory is part of a broader effort to enhance public safety as the country experiences more intense weather patterns due to climate change.
CCHF, a serious viral infection, is primarily spread through the bite of infected ticks—commonly found on animals like goats, sheep, and rabbits. The disease can also spread via contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals, particularly during slaughter, and from human to human in clinical or household settings.
Last year, 61 cases of CCHF were reported in Pakistan, prompting authorities to increase surveillance and awareness campaigns. The NIH advises wearing light-coloured clothes to spot ticks easily and avoiding tick-infested areas. Safe removal of ticks from skin or clothing is also recommended.
Separately, the institute has flagged heat-related illnesses as a growing threat. People are urged to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and take measures to prevent heatstroke as temperatures continue to rise across the country.