Second case of Congo Fever in Free State reported

Two cases of Congo Fever have been reported in the Free State in the past week.

Bloemfontein businessman Tommy Marx (44) was in a critical condition in the Life-Rosepark Hospital after he contracted the virus on New Year’s Day, after being bitten on one of his fingers by a Hyalomma tick, Beeld reported today.

Johannes Ngwato (47) an employee at the Kalkfontein Nature Reserve near Fauresmith, was discharged from hospital on Friday after spending 11 days in hospital being treated for the virus.

Marx’s wife, Pikkie, said glands under her husband’s arms began swelling on January 4th, and he was admitted to hospital when his condition deteriorated.

Life-Rosepark Hospital spokesperson Esmarie Cronje said Marx’s condition was critical but stable, and that he had been put on a ventilator.

- Sapa