KHANEWAL:
Reports of seven child deaths in a week in a village near Khanewal alarmed residents, with initial fears of a measles outbreak later disputed by health authorities.
According to local sources, the deaths occurred in Chak, 2 km from Kot Islam, where residents said a suspected measles outbreak had led to the deaths of several young children.
The deceased were identified as Ali Zamin, Manzar Abbas, Zahra Bibi, Afshan Bibi, Inaya Bibi and Jamshed Ali, while reports suggested that other children in the area were also suffering from similar symptoms.
The situation caused panic among residents, who feared the spread of a contagious disease and urged the Health Ministry to take immediate action. Residents have warned that the situation could worsen if action is not taken in time.
Following media reports, the district administration responded quickly.
Deputy Commissioner and Director General of Health Dr Asif Mahmood sent a medical team to the affected village to assess the situation.
According to the health team’s initial findings, the deceased children, aged one to ten years old, did not present confirmed symptoms of measles.
Authorities said preliminary examinations and early test results suggest the deaths may have been caused by gastroenteritis or another illness, rather than measles.
Health authorities further said that no visible signs of measles were found during physical examinations of the affected children, including skin inspections.
However, they added that final conclusions would only be drawn after receiving detailed reports from laboratories.
Dr Asif Mahmood said further investigations were underway and additional test results would help determine the exact cause of death.
He also highlighted poor hygiene conditions in affected households, which may have contributed to the spread of the disease.
Furthermore, several children in the region are still not feeling well, causing persistent concern among residents. Health officials assured that monitoring will continue and necessary measures will be taken once the final diagnosis is confirmed.
