Amid typhoid outbreak, Gandhinagar reports first case of ‘Congo fever’

Amid a rise in waterborne diseases such as typhoid across Gujarat, the state has reported its first case of Congo haemorrhagic fever, a rare but serious viral disease transmitted from animals to humans. The patient was identified as a 26-year-old cattle farmer from Pindarda village in Gandhinagar district.

The man had been suffering from high fever and other symptoms for several days. He was admitted to a private hospital, where doctors collected samples and sent them to a national reference laboratory in Pune. The test results confirmed infection with Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Following the confirmation, the Gandhinagar district health authorities activated both taluka- and district-level response teams. A detailed investigation was carried out at the patient’s residence and cattle shed. 

Health officials conducted a door-to-door survey of 237 households in the village and placed 1,034 people under medical surveillance. Two medical teams have been deployed in Pindarda village and are carrying out continuous monitoring.

The Animal Husbandry Department officials inspected the village and the patient’s cattle shed, administering preventive medication to around 600 cows and other animals. The cattle shed and surrounding areas were disinfected through spraying to reduce the risk of further transmission.

As part of containment efforts, the district animal husbandry department has set up a temporary shelter in the village. 

Authorities are also investigating recent changes at the patient’s farm, including the construction of a new cattle shed and the recent purchase of cows brought in from Rajasthan.