A serious illness has killed at least nine children in a village near Muzaffargarh over the past month. Eleven other children are very sick and are being treated in hospital. The situation has frightened the local residents.
The deaths happened in Basti Pull Pir Ashab, near Pir Jahanian in Dinpur. The children who died were between one-and-a-half and six years old. Families said the children first had high fever and swelling on their faces. Their condition became worse very quickly, and most of them died within two days.
The children who passed away include Dilshan, Saghir, Inam, Rehan, Najid Ali, Sajida, Zain Ali, Saqlain, and Afshan. Three children died in the last three days, which increased fear in the area.
After receiving information, Muzaffargarh Deputy Commissioner Usman Tahir Jappa directed the health department to act immediately. Medical teams from the district hospital went to the village to investigate the situation.
The teams checked the medical history of the children who died and examined those who were sick. Eleven children in serious condition were moved to the District Headquarters, (DHQ) Hospital for treatment. Other sick children are being treated in the village.
Health officials said early reports show that most of the children died due to a viral type of pneumonia. The children who are still ill have also been diagnosed with pneumonia. Health authorities are closely watching the situation and taking steps to stop the illness from spreading further.
