BAHAWALPUR: Panic has gripped village Koora Kuliar near Channi Goth where three minor brothers died of a ‘mysterious’ disease one after the other.

The boys were identified as Attaullah (13), Samiullah (9) and Shifaullah (5), sons of Malik Mehboob Kuliar.

According to reports, the boys developed rashes on their bodies and they were shifted to the Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH) where they died one by one. After the deaths, the health department teams were reportedly dispatched by the authorities to the village to stop the disease from becoming an epidemic.

However, an official handout issued by the director public relations here on Monday quoted the health chief executive officer (CEO) as saying that the three boys’ death was not caused by any mysterious disease but measles and their parents treated them at home.

Of the three boys, two died on Aug 3 and Aug 5, respectively while the third child was admitted to the BVH on Aug 9 where he also succumbed to measles on Aug 17.

According to the handout, Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Anwar Jappa took notice of the deaths and instructed the health department to medically examine all the children in the area. The health teams examined 150 children who were administered vitamin drops and injected vaccine and there was no danger of any epidemic breakout, claimed the statement. It further said that three deceased children had also been administered the measles vaccine and their parents also admitted that.

Meanwhile, chairing a meeting, the DC directed the health officials to launch an immunisation campaign for the children across the district.

HOSPITALISED: Seven members of a family, including women and minor boys, fell critically ill at midnight after consuming rice at their home at Chak 14/BC near Bahawalpur

According to the Rescue 1122, the family members were shifted to the BVH in a precarious condition owing to vomiting and motions. Those admitted to hospital were identified as Iftikhar (60), Faisal (30), Sameen (25), Kalsoom Akhtar (55), Shazia Faisal (33), Subhan (8) and Ibrahim (9). According to doctors, the patients are being treated and their condition is still critical. The rice and utensils were sent for laboratory tests.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2024