A surge in pneumonia cases in the Punjab province of Pakistan claimed the lives of 12 children over the past 24 hours while dozens were admitted in hospitals across the province, state-run APP news agency reported on January 23.
“Pneumonia in the Punjab region continued to claim lives as 12 more children died of the disease during the past 24 hours,” APP reported, quoting the Punjab health ministry and adding that the children were aged between two months and 12 years.
“There have been 491 cases of pneumonia was reported in Punjab during the past 24 hours, whereas in [eastern city of Lahore, 230 children have been confirmed with the disease during the same period,” APP said.
“The total number of children who have suffered from the disease in Punjab this year has reached 194, while in Lahore, 45 children have been affected by the disease so far this year.”
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a condition that results in inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs, accompanied by symptoms such as the presence of phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulties in breathing. It can have severe consequences, sometimes leading to fatal outcomes.
Contributing factors
Analysts believe regular gas outages and inflation are contributing to increased Pneumonia cases especially in young children as many Pakistanis are unable to afford adequate heating.
Pakistan implemented a sharp increase in natural gas prices for households and industrial consumers ahead of winter season, leaving millions of Pakistanis choose between food and fuel as an economic crisis grapples the country. Long hours of gas outages or loadshedding are also exacerbating the situation.
Smog worsening the situation
Thousands of children in Pakistan are currently grappling with health issues linked to pollution, with health officials estimating a minimum 50 percent surge in pediatric patients facing respiratory problems worsened by deteriorating air quality since last month.
Doctors and aid workers say thousands of children are being admitted to hospitals across the country with pneumonia and other respiratory diseases caused by the cold and malnutrition.
Preventive measures
Child Specialist Dr. Ibrahim Yousaf has urged citizens to wear masks and enhance their immune systems to lower the risk of contracting the ‘Pneumonia Virus’.
- Wear masks and enhance immune system to reduce the risk of catching Pneumonia
- Prevent pneumonia through immunization, adequate nutrition, and addressing environmental factors.
- Exercise caution, especially vulnerable individuals, due to the association between chronic exposure to air pollutants and severe infections.
- Boost immunity with diets, opt for organic foods, and use home remedies to address health concerns.
- Contact health providers immediately in cases of continuous fever or serious conditions.