FAIZABAD, Afghanistan, Feb 7 (NNN-ANA) – At least 74 children died, following an outbreak of measles in Afghanistan’s northern province of Badakhshan, a provincial official said yesterday.
“There had been pockets of measles cases across several Badakhshan districts, including Kuf Ab, Darwaz, Kohistan, as well as, provincial capital, Faizabad city and its outskirts, in the past two months. At least 74 children died, after being infected with the disease in Kuf Ab and Kohistan districts,” Maazudin Ahmadi, head of the provincial Information and Culture Directorate, said.
Most of the children who lost their lives were living in areas without access to public health workers and local mobile vaccinators.
The provincial health officials have repeatedly called on the population, to stay vigilant and to consult the nearest health centres in case of children’s symptoms, including fever, generalised rash, conjunctivitis, cough and cold.
According to local officials, there had been a steady rise in measles cases in the country, particularly in the mountainous north-eastern region.– NNN-ANA
