Suspected measles outbreak claims seven children's lives in a week, health team launches probe

KHANEWAL: The deaths of seven children within a span of one week in a village near Khanewal have alarmed residents, although health authorities have dismissed early suspicions of a measles outbreak.

The fatalities were reported from Chak 2KM in Kot Islam, where locals initially believed measles was responsible for the deaths of multiple children.

Those who died were identified as Ali Zamin, Manzar Abbas, Zahra Bibi, Afshan Bibi, Inaya Bibi and Jamshed Ali. Residents also said several other children in the village were showing similar symptoms.

Fear spread across the area as people worried about a possible infectious disease, urging authorities to step in quickly. Locals cautioned that delays in response could worsen the situation.

After the issue surfaced in the media, the district administration took notice. A medical team was sent to the village on the directions of Deputy Commissioner and CEO Health Dr Asif Mahmood to investigate.

Preliminary observations by the team indicated that the deceased children, aged between one and 10 years, did not display confirmed indicators of measles.

Officials said early medical assessments and initial test findings suggested the deaths were more likely linked to gastroenteritis or another illness, rather than measles.

They further noted that physical examinations, including checks for skin rashes, did not reveal signs typically associated with measles.

Authorities said a conclusive cause would only be established after detailed lab results are available.

Dr Asif Mahmood said the inquiry is ongoing and further testing will help determine the exact reason behind the deaths. He also pointed out that unhygienic living conditions in the affected homes could have played a role in the spread of illness.

Meanwhile, reports of several children still being unwell have kept concerns alive in the community. Health officials said surveillance will continue and necessary steps will be taken once the final diagnosis is confirmed.