NIV confirms positive testing for fatal Congo virus

Pune, Jan 20 (PTI) The National Institute of Virology(NIV) here has confirmed the positive testing of Crimean-CongoHaemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus, identified for the first timein India, which has claimed three lives in Gujarat.

The virus at present appeared confined to Gujarat fromwhere NIV had received the samples and the state governmenthad started screening of all suspected cases, Dr A C Mishra,Director, NIV, told PTI today.

Although the virus belongs to high risk category, therewas no need for panic as its transmission is slow and can bearrested with isolation of patients in hospital, he said.

"It is important that infections are prevented fromspreading by isolating patients in hospitals and properprecautions are taken," Mishra added.

The Congo virus, which surfaced in Ahmedabad killed threepersons including a doctor and nurse who treated the firstvictim--a woman from Kolat village in Sanand taluka of thedistrict.