The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has declared a health emergency alert in anticipation of Eidul Adha, raising concerns about the potential spread of the Congo virus. Hospitals across the province have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance throughout the holiday period.
The KP health department has mandated that all emergency and trauma services remain fully operational during Eid, ensuring 24-hour availability of doctors and medical personnel. Special helplines will be established in hospitals to facilitate prompt identification and treatment of suspected Congo virus cases.
Screening procedures will be intensified to detect potential infections early, while rapid response teams will be on standby to manage any outbreak swiftly. Hospitals are also required to stock adequate supplies of medicines, blood products, and protective gear to address emergencies during the festivities.
In a significant development, the health department plans to launch a province-wide awareness campaign to educate the public on preventive measures against the Congo virus. Butchers and livestock handlers have been advised to wear gloves and masks, and authorities will implement disinfectant spraying and tick-control protocols in cattle markets.
Proper disposal of animal and hospital waste will be enforced established standard operating procedures. Additionally, daily situation reports will be compiled and reviewed throughout the Eid period to monitor the evolving situation closely.
Recent health data indicate that Pakistan recorded 82 confirmed cases of Congo virus and 20 fatalities in 2025. Experts note that infections typically surge around Eidul Adha due to increased human-animal contact. Research conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during Eidul Adha 2023 revealed a significant post-Eid rise in cases, with many patients reporting direct exposure to sacrificial animals.
Medical expert Dr. Attaullah Muhammad Khan emphasized the importance of strict hygiene practices during animal handling and sacrifice. He advised regular sanitization, wearing gloves, avoiding bare-hand contact with animals, and maintaining cleanliness to curb disease transmission.
He further recommended thorough handwashing with soap, wearing masks in crowded cattle markets, avoiding direct contact with animal blood, and ensuring proper disposal of animal waste after sacrifice. Health professionals have urged local authorities to uphold cleanliness in cattle markets and residential areas to minimize outbreak risks during Eid celebrations.
Citizens are encouraged to seek immediate medical care if they experience symptoms such as fever, body aches, bleeding, or weakness following animal contact. With the approach of Eidul Adha and increased livestock movement nationwide, experts stress that public awareness and adherence to hygiene protocols remain critical to preventing infectious disease spread.
