Pneumonia cases: 12 children succumb in Punjab within 24 hours

LAHORE: In a concerning development, twelve more children have tragically lost their lives to pneumonia in Punjab over the span of 24 hours.

The Punjab Health Department disclosed that the deceased children ranged from two months to 12 years old.

Pneumonia, an infection causing inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, has manifested as a serious health concern. Symptoms include cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and breathing difficulties, leading to severe consequences.

The Health Department reported two pneumonia-related fatalities in Lahore, with an additional 230 children diagnosed with pneumonia in the city within the same 24-hour period. Across Punjab, a total of 491 pneumonia cases were recorded during this timeframe.

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Alarming statistics reveal that the total child mortality toll due to pneumonia in Punjab this year has reached 194, with Lahore alone witnessing 45 child deaths. The escalating crisis is emphasized by the startling number of 10,061 reported cases in Pakistan’s largest province.

The surge in pneumonia cases has resulted in critical shortages of essential medications in Lahore. This scarcity is particularly affecting the treatment of children grappling with pneumonia, chest infections, and other viral illnesses. The situation demands urgent attention and resources to mitigate the impact on young lives in the region.