Muscat – With the holy month of Ramadan around the corner, Ministry of Health (MoH) has renewed its call for vigilance against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through tick bites or direct contact with infected animal blood and tissues.

Given the increased handling of livestock during the holy month, particularly for slaughtering traditions, the ministry is emphasising the need for strict precautionary measures to reduce the risk of infection.

To ensure public safety, individuals involved in handling animals are urged to exercise caution and adhere to proper hygiene practices.

MoH advises animals be slaughtered in designated slaughterhouses where safety measures are in place. If home slaughter is unavoidable, protective clothing such as gloves, long boots and eyewear should be worn to minimise direct contact with potentially infected tissues.

Consuming raw meat, especially liver and spleen, should be strictly avoided. All meat should be properly cooked before consumption. Additionally, slaughter waste must be disposed responsibly in designated areas to prevent environmental contamination.

Symptoms of CCHF include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea and diarrohoea. In severe cases, it can cause bleeding from the mouth, eyes or ears. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after handling animals should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.