Pneumonia outbreak claims nine more children lives in Punjab

LAHORE: Pneumonia has tragically claimed the lives of nine children in Punjab, including Lahore, within the past 24 hours. The increasing incidence of pneumonia-related deaths is being attributed to the prevalent smog and dry winter conditions in the region. Two more children lost their lives in Lahore during this time frame, bringing the total number of pediatric pneumonia fatalities to 188.

Over the past 24 hours, there have been 275 newly reported cases of pneumonia in Punjab, with 155 cases emerging in Lahore alone. Consequently, the cumulative count of pneumonia cases in Lahore has surged to 1,430, while Punjab as a whole has reported more than 8,140 cases.

Lahore's hospitals are currently grappling with a significant number of children receiving treatment for pneumonia, chest infections, and viral ailments. Notably, over 60 children are currently being treated at the Children's Hospital, while numerous others are undergoing medical care at Jinnah Hospital, Services Hospital, General Hospital, and Ganga Ram Hospital.

Sources have revealed that both pneumonia vaccines and essential medications are currently unavailable in the market, leading to severe difficulties for patients in accessing the necessary treatment.