QUETTA:  Two farmers in the Zhob district of Balochistan have died after suffering from Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), also known as ‘Congo virus’, Muhammad Shah, the district health officer (DHO), told The Express Tribune.

At least four people, including a woman, were infected with the virus in the small village of Killi Blump near Meena Bazaar, located 40km from Zhob city.

The deceased were identified as 30-year-old Abdullah Jan, who died in the Combined Military Hospital, Zhob, and Taween Khan, 60. Meanwhile, Abdullah Jan, 25, was admitted to Quetta’s Jilani Hospital and discharged after receiving treatment. A woman was also admitted to Fatima Jinnah TB Sanatorium, according to DHO Shah.

The village where the deaths took place consists of 12 to 13 houses. DHO Shah said the two farmers contracted the disease in mid-July and the virus was confirmed after blood tests. While Jan was sent to Quetta for treatment, Khan was sent to Multan.

The medical superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital Zhob, Abdul Rehman, said animals in the village have been vaccinated, as well as family members of those affected in order to avoid the spread of the virus. The virus is primarily transmitted to people from ticks and livestock animals. Human-to-human transmission can also occur.