KARACHl: A man in his early 40s died of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) while another patient suspected of having the tick-borne viral disease is currently under treatment at a hospital, the health department stated on Wednesday.

According to officials, it`s the first CCHF death in the province this year.

`He was a 42-year-old resident of Malir. He passed away on June 17 after remaining under treatment for two days at the Indus Hospital, Meeran Yousuf, representing the health department, said, while confirming that the lab report of a suspected CCHF patient is pending.

According to hospital sources, the patient is a factory worker.

`He was brought to the emergency department on June 15 with a seven-day history of fever and bleeding from the gums.

Upon evaluation and testing, he was diagnosed with the CCHF,` a statement released by the hospital reads.

The patient was provided appropriate medical care as per protocol. However, despite all efforts, he developed multiple complications and passed away on June 17, the statement adds.

Speaking to Dawn, Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro representing the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) regretted the loss of a precious life that, he said, could have been saved if the patient had reported early at hospital.

`Every year, the CCHF claims several lives in the country, especially during and after Eidul Azha, indicating the lack of initiatives on the part of the state in creating awareness of the disease and its transmission,` he said.

The loss of life could have been prevented, if the state had played an effective role in spreading awareness of the care needed in handling animals and the symptoms the patient might experience during the illness, he added.