A 22-year-old man from Quetta has tested positive for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), marking Pakistan’s second confirmed Congo virus case of 2026, hospital officials said on Wednesday.

According to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), the patient, identified as Rahmatullah, arrived at the hospital after experiencing fever and recurrent nosebleeds for two days.

Doctors found that he had critically low platelet and haemoglobin levels, along with significantly elevated liver enzyme levels. They conducted a Congo PCR test, which confirmed the viral infection.

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Following the diagnosis, doctors transferred the patient to a hospital in Karachi’s Nipa area for specialised treatment and close medical observation. He remains under medical care.

Health experts said Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is a potentially fatal viral disease that mainly spreads through the bite of infected ticks. People can also contract the virus through direct contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals.

Experts warned that healthcare workers and caregivers face a higher risk of infection if they come into contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected patients. They urged medical staff to follow strict infection prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of transmission.