Muscat – The Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory highlighting the risks of CCHF, a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans through tick bites or direct contact with infected animal blood and tissues, particularly during and after slaughter. As Ramadan traditions often involve increased livestock handling, the Ministry is urging individuals to take necessary precautions.
The ministry emphasized the significance of taking appropriate precautions when handling animals, as this will help reduce the risk of infection.
Key preventive measures:
• Avoid direct contact with ticks by not crushing or removing them from animals with your hands.
• Whenever possible, slaughter animals in approved slaughterhouses, where safety measures are in place.
• If slaughtering at home or elsewhere is unavoidable, it is crucial to wear protective clothing, including gloves, long boots, and protective eyewear, to minimize exposure to potentially infected tissues.
• Ensure that meat is properly cooked and avoid consuming raw meat, especially liver and spleen, which are more prone to contamination.
• Properly dispose of all slaughter waste, ensuring it is placed in garbage bags or sacks and discarded in designated disposal areas.
The ministry also reminded the public to be aware of the symptoms of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, which include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, diarrhoea, and, in more severe cases, bleeding from the mouth, eyes, or ears.
Anyone who has handled animals and begins to experience these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.