‘Outbreak’: Two minors killed, six hospitalised in Bakot

Locals cite measles outbreak, health department yet to confirm cause of death.

ABBOTABAD:

Two minor children were killed and six others hospitalised due to a possible measles outbreak in a village of Palak union council of Bakot on Monday.

Health authorities are yet to confirm the cause of death of the two children or the disease that has infected the six others, however, locals say the children’s symptoms are similar to that of measles.

The ‘outbreak’ was reported in Darwaza village, where two children identified as Idrees, 3, and Haron, 5, died after suffering from the disease.



Executive District Officer (EDO) Health Dr Muhammad Zafeer said after villagers informed the health department about the deaths, mobile medical teams were dispatched. The teams vaccinated dozens of children at the village and singled out six children with symptoms, said the EDO, adding that these children are being providing treatment at a hospital free of charge, he said.

When inquired, Zafar said the deceased children had not been examined by any doctor, but added that the situation will be clear once their bodies are examined. He urged the villagers to avoid self-medication and approach the nearest hospital for treatment in case they come in contact with children showing symptoms of measles. He said that children showing symptoms must to be isolated to prevent the disease from spreading.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2012.