KARACHI: Two children have succumbed to dengue at the National Institute of Child Health, bringing the death toll of the lethal mosquito-borne disease to 31 in the province thus far this year, officials said.

The officials identified the victims as three-year-old Taimur, son of Mohammad Hashim; and Moosa, son of Mohammad Irfan.

The family of Taimur resides in Bilal Colony. The child was admitted to hospital on Nov 2 and died a day later. The cause of his death was later confirmed as dengue virus.

Similarly, Moosa’s family lives in Korangi. The child was admitted to the National Institute of Child Health on Thursday and died the same day. He too was infected with the deadly mosquito-borne disease.

Officials said the number of people that have died because of dengue haemorrhagic fever in Sindh has climbed to 31, while the total death toll in the country was 70.

Director General Health, Sindh, Masood Solangi claimed the authorities had taken effective measures to combat the dangerous disease.

Dr Solangi said diagnostic kits had been provided to all government-run hospitals.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2019