ISLAMABAD: The pneumonia outbreak in Punjab killed thirteen more children, with 1045 new cases registered during the past 24 hours across the province.
Punjab Health Department said that the provincial capital, Lahore, reported 248 new cases during the said period, according to media reports.
Punjab so far this year registered 288 deaths and 17,248 cases due to the deadly disease, whereas Lahore only recorded 57 deaths and 3,151 cases.
The current surge in pneumonia-related deaths indicates a troubling trend, with more than 85 children dead in the past week—fourteen on January 24, twelve on January 25, thirteen on January 26, 7 on January 27, eighteen on January 28, three on January 29 and fourteen on January 30 with additional thirteen children have reportedly died from the disease on last date of this month.
Health experts attribute the surge in pneumonia cases in Punjab to the prevalent winter season and the resulting air pollution, particularly smog, which has been identified as a major factor contributing to the rise in pneumonia cases.
Pneumonia Outbreak in Punjab
Pneumonia, characterized by an infection in the lungs, is predominantly caused by viral infections. Its symptoms can appear after experiencing a flu or cold. The disease can range from mild to severe, and young children, particularly those under five years old, are more susceptible to it.
