LOWER DIR: At least 10 people died from a mysterious fever in several areas of Adenzai tehsil in Lower Dir district.
According to local sources, the deaths were reported in Bremki, Shadam and Shorshang areas of Union Councils Asbanr and Khaniur during the past two weeks. They said that dozens of affected people had been shifted to hospitals in Peshawar, Swat and other areas for treatment.
The deceased reportedly include four women, three children and two young men. Local residents said those affected by the fever face difficulties while breathing, besides white blood cell count suddenly drop during the illness. Residents claimed that similar cases were reported in the area every year but said that no effective measures were taken by the government and health authorities.
The situation has caused concern among local people, while health department teams investigating the outbreak.
District Health Officer (DHO) Lower Dir confirmed that two young men had been diagnosed with meningitis and admitted to hospitals in Peshawar.
In view of the situation, health department teams from Peshawar and Lower Dir visited the affected areas to assess the situation and investigate the reported cases. According to the DHO, preliminary findings suggest that the illness is a febrile disease, with the possibility that it may be transmitted from animals to humans.
As a precautionary measure, spraying has been carried out in the affected areas to control malaria and dengue. A joint team comprising officials from the Health Department and the Livestock Department has also been formed.
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