ISLAMABAD: In the past 24 hours, 18 more children have tragically lost their lives to pneumonia in Punjab, intensifying concerns over the deadly respiratory illness.
The province reported a total of 869 pneumonia cases, with Lahore alone witnessing 177 new cases. Overall, Punjab has recorded 258 deaths and 14,530 cases, while Lahore reported 53 deaths and 2,490 cases during the same period.
The recent spike in pneumonia-related deaths highlights a troubling trend, with over 60 children succumbing to the disease in the past four days.
The daily toll includes 14 deaths on January 24, 12 on January 25, 13 on January 26, and 7 on January 27. Today, on January 28, an additional 18 children have reportedly lost their lives due to pneumonia.
Health experts attribute the surge in pneumonia cases in Punjab to the prevailing winter season and the associated air pollution, particularly smog. Smog, a byproduct of air pollution, is identified as a significant factor contributing to the spike in pneumonia cases.
Pneumonia, marked by lung infections, is primarily caused by viral infections. Its symptoms may manifest after experiencing cold or flu and can range from mild to severe. Young children, especially those under 5 years old, are more susceptible to the disease. The current situation underscores the urgency of addressing both the seasonal impact and environmental factors to mitigate the impact of pneumonia in the region.
