GUJRANWALA, May 23: Three children died while scores were hospitalised on Tuesday as epidemic of measles broke out in and around the city. This correspondent visited all state run and private hospitals and clinics in the district and saw children with measles. The death of three children - Sikander, 7, son of Muhammad Younis of Muafi Chowk, Nayyar Batool, 5, daughter of Muhammad Asif of Dhaunkel, Wazirabad, and three-year-old Anser son of Muhammad Rashid of Hafizabad Road — have been confirmed.

The DHQ hospital paediatric ward in charge Dr Arif Sheikh said score children were being referred to this hospital by various private hospitals due to their serious condition while a number of children were being admitted daily for regular treatment.

He also confirmed that the severity of the disease was much higher than that of last year.

Paediatricians of some private hospitals also confirmed that scores of children have been brought for treatment.

The worried parents said the health department vaccinated the children a few days ago then why the epidemic broke out.

When contacted, District Health Officer Riasat Nahara said he was looking into matter.