120 Congo fever cases recorded at Kabul hospital in 15 days

Kabul's National and Specialized Antani Hospital has reported a significant increase in Congo fever cases, with 120 patients registered in the 15 days following Eid al-Adha. This marks a sharp rise compared to the 150 cases recorded from the start of the year until the day before the holiday.

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We have made preparations; we have also freed additional rooms, addressed shortages in our laboratories, prepared duty rosters, and we are fully ready. Admissions of Congo fever patients are still ongoing

Dr. Faridullah Amiri, an infectious disease specialist at the hospital, noted that the number of Congo fever cases typically rises after Eid al-Adha. Between May 27 and June 10, the hospital admitted 120 patients, with approximately 40% being women and over 60% men. Tragically, six patients have died among this recent group, and 70 are currently hospitalized, two in critical condition.

Health officials attribute the post-Eid spike to increased risks associated with animal slaughtering and meat handling during the holiday period. "Most of our patients are from the central region and a small number are from provinces," Dr. Amiri explained. "In the provinces, when patients arrive late or their condition becomes complicated, they are referred to us."

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Most of our patients are from the central region and a small number are from provinces. In the provinces, when patients arrive late or their condition becomes complicated, they are referred to us

The hospital has prepared for the influx by freeing up rooms, addressing laboratory shortages, and organizing duty rosters. Treatment units for Congo fever are also available in provincial hospitals across Afghanistan, including Herat, Balkh, Kunduz, Nangarhar, Kandahar, and Khost. In Kabul, specialized infectious disease departments operate at several other hospitals in addition to Antani Hospital.

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After Eid al-Adha, my daughter developed a high fever and diarrhea. We brought her to this hospital and she was diagnosed with Congo fever.

The Ministry of Public Health was contacted for nationwide data but did not provide information. One patient's caretaker, Shakiba Amani, shared her daughter's experience, stating, "After Eid al-Adha, my daughter developed a high fever and diarrhea. We brought her to this hospital and she was diagnosed with Congo fever." She expressed satisfaction with her daughter's recovery, noting her critical condition upon arrival.

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On the first day we brought her here, her condition was very serious and she was completely weak. It has been six days since s