Chickenpox spreads to Lower Chitral
A recent chickenpox outbreak, which initially emerged in the Chitral Upper district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) last month, has now extended its grip to Chitral Lower, affecting hundreds of children.
The situation has prompted the closure of schools in various areas, including Chitral City, Karimabad, Shaghur, and others, as a precautionary measure to halt the spread of the contagious disease.
An official from the district administration confirmed the temporary closure of schools while talking to The Express Tribune, stating, “Schools have been shut down for a five-day period.” However, the education department refrained from providing any official comment or confirmation regarding the reports.
This development has understandably led to widespread panic among both parents and children, deterring them from attending schools. A local elder expressed concern, noting that despite the authorities’ claims, the disease continues to spread unabated, causing growing apprehension.
Dr. Saleem Saifullah, the Public Health Coordinator for Chitral Lower, offered a more measured perspective, suggesting that the situation might not be as dire as portrayed on social media. He mentioned that while their team had visited several schools in Ayun in response to social media reports, they had not identified a single confirmed case among the students. He pointed out that acne or mosquito bites could be mistaken for chickenpox, indicating that the outbreak had not reached pandemic proportions.
Dr. Saifullah reassured the public by stating that even in the event of a chickenpox outbreak, it is not typically life-threatening. He did acknowledge the possibility of some teachers or students seeking leave by spreading rumors but emphasized that strict orders had been issued to report any suspected cases to the health department or district administration.
He also addressed the role of social media in exacerbating concerns, stating that while there have been rumors circulating, the situation is not as severe as portrayed by certain elements on social media platforms. Dr. Saifullah emphasized that their teams remain prepared to respond to emergencies but as of now, no such emergency situation has arisen.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 14th, 2023.