Pakistan’s National Institute of Health (NIH) has released advisories about Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and increased heatstroke risks. With climate-related challenges intensifying, the NIH urges healthcare institutions and authorities to take timely actions. These measures aim to prevent disease outbreaks during the hot summer months.
CCHF is a serious viral disease caused by the Nairovirus. It spreads to humans mainly through infected ticks found on livestock, like goats and sheep. The virus can also transfer through contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals. In 2024, Pakistan reported 61 cases of CCHF, highlighting the need for public awareness.
To protect themselves, the NIH advises people to wear light-colored clothing, making ticks easier to spot. Citizens should avoid areas with heavy tick populations and safely remove any visible ticks from their skin or clothing. This simple practice can help reduce the risk of infection.
In addition, the NIH warns about the dangers of heatwaves and sunstroke due to rising temperatures. They recommend staying in the shade, drinking plenty of water, and taking other precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast unusually high temperatures in Sindh, expecting daytime highs to remain significantly elevated until April 18.
Meanwhile, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecast extreme summer conditions, warning of intensifying heatwaves that could heighten the risk of wildfires in mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, the Potohar region, Murree and nearby areas.
The three-month forecast (April–June) presented to media representatives at NEOC indicates that cyclones are expected to form in the Arabian Sea during May and June, with potential impacts on nearby coastal areas.
The report indicates that the summer season will bring higher-than-normal temperatures nationwide, coupled with below-average rainfall. This extreme heat is anticipated to cause heatwaves, especially in Southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.
Temperatures in Southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan could climb as high as 45 degrees Celsius, particularly impacting cities such as Karachi, Badin, Larkana, Umerkot, Tharparkar, and Matiari. Searing temperatures are expected to scorch Sukkur, Shikarpur, Dadu, Sanghar, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Lahore, whereas Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral face a dual challenge—extreme heat coupled with the looming threat of GLOFs triggered by rapid glacial melting.
The combination of higher temperatures and diminished rainfall is projected to reduce agricultural output nationwide, potentially causing lower crop yields, water scarcity, and food security challenges.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) urged the public to avoid exposure to extreme heat, particularly during peak sun hours, and take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. Adhering to these safety measures can help minimize health risks during high temperatures.