BAJAUR, Nov 20: Five children died and several others were seriously affected as measles broke out in the remote area of Arrang in the Bajaur tribal agency.

In the Bagh village of Arrang, 85 kilometres from here, dozens of children are stated to be in a serious condition, as the epidemic has attained alarming proportions.

An official told this correspondent on Wednesday that the health department had sent its staff and medicines to the affected areas to treat the children.

According to the official in-charge of the Agency HQ Hospital, Khaar, some affected children have been shifted to hospital.

The political administration and the health department have set up a joint committee to probe the reasons behind the malady’s outbreak.