LAHORE: The distressing pattern of child fatalities due to pneumonia persists in Punjab – the largest province – with 10 additional children succumbing to the illness in the last 24 hours.
According to the Punjab Health Department, the province reported a disturbing 427 new cases of pneumonia within the same period, with Lahore alone registering 149 new cases.
The latest data paints a grim picture, with Punjab recording a total of 319 deaths and 20,872 reported cases of pneumonia so far this year. In Lahore, the figures stand at 58 deaths and 4,050 cases reported during the same timeframe. Health experts are alarmed, attributing the spike in pneumonia cases primarily to the hazardous smog enveloping Punjab, worsened by pervasive air pollution during the winter season.
In response to this critical situation, Dr. Jamal Nasir, the caretaker health minister of Punjab, issued mandatory vaccination directives for children against pneumonia on January 11th. Dr. Nasir emphasized that free diagnosis and treatment services for pneumonia are available in all government hospitals across the province.
He also underscored common pneumonia symptoms, including breathing difficulties, cough, cold, and fever. Precautions such as ensuring children wear warm clothing and minimizing exposure to cold were highlighted to guard against pneumonia. Causes of pneumonia in children were attributed to factors like inadequate breastfeeding, pollution, malnutrition, prolonged cold exposure, and weakened immune systems.
Pneumonia, even in its mild form, can pose a significant threat to life, manifesting symptoms such as phlegm and cough, fever, excessive sweating or chills, shortness of breath during routine activities, chest pain while breathing or coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and headaches. The severity of symptoms may vary based on age and health conditions.
Medical practitioners are utilizing chest X-rays for accurate lung information in the initial stages. Dr Nasir urged the public to promptly seek medical attention if any symptoms arise.
