With the consistently dipping mercury levels, the cases of pneumonia have taken on the form of an outbreak of sorts among minors, as Lahore registered over 100 suspected cases in the last 24 hours and additional vacations were announced for nursery and prep classes across the province.
On the other hand, Punjab reported the deaths of 35 children from pneumonia in the last 10 days, while it also registered 730 suspected cases in a day. In the provincial capital of Lahore, 1,456 cases of pneumonia were reported in the last seven days and 121 in just 24 hours.
The seasonal disease is said to have mostly affected children under the age of five years, as per medical experts, who have called the situation alarming.
Also Read: Punjab extends winter vacations amidst rising pneumonia cases
In the wake of the dire situation, caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended the winter vacation for nursery and prep classes across the province by another week.
Dozens of patients have started showing up in every hospital of Lahore on a daily basis, while according to medical experts, most of the deaths were being reported in the age group of one year or below.
According to experts, the number of cases of pneumonia are increasing in Lahore due to the severe cold.
The minimum temperature of Lahore has fallen to 4 degrees Celsius. According to the Met Office, Punjab will continue to experience dry and cold weather.
