Eidul Azha and safety measures we overlook

AS the sacrificial animals for Eidul Azha are arriving in city, more and more cases of Congo fever are being reported from different parts of the country. Two years back, my 20 year old nephew had ‘Viral Hemorrhagic Fever’ ahead of Eidul Azha. He was bleeding profusely from nose, ears, mouth, in urine and stool for 9 days. Doctors were of the opinion that the virus had been contracted by my nephew through sacrificial animals.

He was kept in quarantine for 3 days for fear of Congo virus at Liaquat National Hospital. His blood samples were sent to a laboratory in UK by the hospital who confirmed that virus wasn’t the Congo Virus.

During treatment, he received more than 40 bags of white blood cells and also had to undergo two sessions of dialysis because during treatment, his kidneys got affected.

Our entire family was sitting outside ICU ward of hospital for 11 days praying for his life and also offered our Eidul Azha prayers in hospital mosque. By the grace of Allah and blessings of our relatives and friends, my nephew won the fight with disease.

While we offer our religious rituals, it is equally important for each one of us to take care of ourselves and specially our children who mingle with sacrificial animals in excitement ahead of Eidul Azha. Please take care of your loved ones and have safe and happy Eidul Azha.

M RAFIQUE ZAKARIA

Karachi