PUL-I-ALAM (SW) – An endemic viral pneumonia infected at least 300 children in Logar province within a week.
A physician at the Logar regional public hospital, Dr. Mohammad Sidiq Stanikzai, told Salam Watandar the spread of viral pneumonia is unprecedented forcing the biggest public hospital to refer the mounting number of patients to other clinics.
He feared if the Ministry of Health failed to take effective measures in time, many children in the province might lose their lives to the disease.
Head of the directorate of public health, Rasul Gul Samar, acknowledged the spread of viral pneumonia, but clarified exact figures are not available to gage the magnitude of the issue.
The crippling health crisis has alarmed the local population. In conversation with SW a number of family members of the infected children said there are not enough resources and expertise in Logar to address the crisis.
Dr. Mohammad Ismail, a local pediatrician, said parents must keep their children warm and away from germs and infections. Reducing indoor air pollution, such as that from cooking indoors with wood or dung, are both recommended while hand hygiene and coughing into one's sleeve may also be effective preventative measures. Wearing surgical masks by the sick may also prevent illness from spreading.
ENDS
