LOWER DIR: Seven people, including five children and two women, have died within four days in mountainous areas of Lower Dir amid reports of fever-related illnesses, according to local residents.
The deaths were reported in Bermake, Bochkey and Shadam, where residents have expressed concern over what they described as a recurring and unexplained illness affecting communities in the region.
Residents said similar deaths and illnesses have reportedly occurred in the area during September in previous years. The latest fatalities have raised particular concern because several of those who died were children.
Health authorities, however, have not confirmed that all seven deaths were caused by the same disease. District Health Officer (DHO) officials said samples had been collected from the affected areas and sent for laboratory analysis.
The DHO said two young men from the affected areas were currently receiving treatment in Peshawar after being diagnosed with meningitis. Officials stressed that the diagnosis did not establish that meningitis was responsible for all of the reported deaths.
According to the DHO, two children who died in Bermake were newborns, while one of the women who died was suffering from tuberculosis. These details indicate that the reported fatalities may involve different medical conditions.
Health authorities are continuing investigations to determine whether the cases are connected to a common infectious disease, environmental factor or separate medical conditions.
Residents have called for increased medical attention and timely assistance in the affected mountainous communities. They have also expressed concern about access to healthcare facilities in remote areas, where patients may face difficulties reaching hospitals and receiving treatment quickly.
Preventive measures have already been initiated. The DHO said spraying operations were conducted in the affected areas to control dengue and malaria and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
A joint investigation team comprising officials from the health, livestock and public health departments has also been formed. The team will examine the reported cases, investigate possible causes and coordinate preventive measures.
Health authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation while laboratory reports are awaited. The test results will help determine whether the deaths are linked to a particular infectious disease or represent separate medical cases.
For now, officials have not confirmed a single cause for the seven deaths. Further details are expected after the laboratory analysis and investigation are completed.
