An alarming epidemic of measles has set foot in Panjgur and is rapidly spreading to the neighbouring areas. The disease has already killed three children and several others are reportedly infected. With no proper treatment in sight, many fear that the infection and death toll might rise as the epidemic worsens.
According to reports, three children died in Panjgur after contracting measles. Two of the victims were sisters, belonged to the Khuda Badan area and the third from one from Washbod. Some cases have been reported in the Tusp and Garmkan areas, but these claims are yet to be substantiated.
The locals have appealed to the government and health institutions of Balochistan to take notice of the epidemic before it spreads and infects more people.
Measles is one of the several deadly infectious diseases found in Balochistan – before this, the disease had spread to large swathes of Turbat and Naseerabad where it infected dozens of children. Health experts say that measles, an airborne disease, spread either from direct contact with the infected person or from inhaling the airborne droplets carrying the pathogen. Antiviral drugs are available to combat the disease, but these medicines are almost a luxury in Balochistan. In rural areas like Panjgur, these drugs are mostly not available or not found in enough quantity to complete a prescribed regimen. The locals have no hope other than waiting for the disease to subside all by itself.