HYDERABAD: The mysterious deaths of four children over the past three weeks in a suburban area of Kotri, an industrial city in District Jamshoro, have prompted urgent action from the Sindh Health Department.
The deceased have been identified as 15-year-old Hasnain, 12-year-old Hassan, 8-year-old Faizan, and 10-month-old Sher Malah. All four children belonged to the same Malah family. According to a family member, Sher Malah, two of the children died around three weeks ago after suffering from high fever and vomiting, despite being taken to Civil Hospital Jamshoro for treatment.
Jamshoro District Health Officer Dr Pir Manzoor Chandio confirmed to The News that four deaths had occurred within three weeks, with two children dying at the hospital and two at home.
Dr Chandio said that a health department team visited the affected Malah family and gathered details about the symptoms, which included fever, vomiting and stomach-related issues. As a precautionary measure, around 90 children in the affected area were screened against measles, but no child was found to have any symptom of measles.
Dr Chandio said that in collaboration with the deputy commissioner, multiple health teams are conducting a comprehensive investigation and survey. He said that the final conclusion regarding the cause of deaths would be made after the inquiry is completed.
He also said that samples have been collected from the affected family and other residents to determine the exact nature of the illness. Meanwhile, the bereaved family has demanded a transparent investigation into the incident and strict action against those responsible for any negligence.
