A concerning development has unfolded as the contagious disease of chickenpox continues to spread to new areas in Chitral, Pakistan.
The affected regions now include Brep in the Yarkhoon valley and Booni town in Upper Chitral, in addition to ongoing cases in the already affected Harchin village of Laspur valley.
Dr. Wali Khan, the district coordinator of the expanded program on immunization (EPI), reported that during his recent visit to Brep village to raise awareness about chickenpox, he encountered two students from different schools who had contracted the disease. Furthermore, a 35-year-old man, who had recently returned to Brep from the affected Harchin village, was also diagnosed with chickenpox, raising concerns about potential transmission.
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In Booni, the district’s headquarters in Upper Chitral, three more children attending different schools were found to be suffering from chickenpox. Meanwhile, four additional children in Harchin village displayed symptoms of the illness. Fortunately, due to the diligent efforts of local communities practicing social distancing, the situation remains under control.
To prevent further spread, health authorities have decided to temporarily close the schools attended by the affected children in Booni and Brep, with isolation measures implemented in accordance with standard operating procedures.
In response to the escalating situation, health and hygiene awareness sessions are being conducted in all villages of Mastuj tehsil, in collaboration with the health department and district administration, following a red alert declaration by the provincial government for the area.
Dr. Wali emphasized the crucial importance of early detection, urging school officials to promptly report any student with fever to the health department, as fever often serves as the initial symptom of chickenpox. Additionally, a child in Brep village is undergoing testing for measles, with the blood sample sent to the National Institute of Health in Islamabad for examination.
