At least six children died while dozens others were affected as Measles epidemic reportedly hit two remote villages of Mingli and Afti in Marwah tehsil of mountainous Kishtwar district.
District administration and Health Department has geared up its men and machinery to reach out the village, which is said to be two days journey on foot from Kishtwar.
Official sources said that at least five children have died reportedly due to the epidemic in Mingli village, since last three days. One more child has died in Afti village.
"More than a dozen other children were reportedly fallen ill in the two villages, where situation was stated to be critical", a senior officer , on the condition of anonymity.
Sources said that the reports reaching out from the village indicates that the children died due to spread of measles in the two villages.
Measles, also called rubella, is a highly contagious — but rare — respiratory infection that’s caused by a virus. It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough, and runny nose.
According to official sources the diseased children’s were identified as Osma Sheikh son of Bashir Ahmed (4Yrs), Zaida Banoo Daughter of Mohammad Afzal Koka (1Yrs), Asmat Jan Daughter of Mohammad Ramzan Koka (7Yrs), Shuba Banoo Daughter of Mohammad Ashraf Koka (2Yrs), Gulzar Ahmed Son of Mohammad Ramzan Koka (5Yrs) all resident of Mingli Warwan and Ghulam Nabi son of Abdul Aziz Ittoo (3Yrs) resident of Afti Warwan.
When contacted CMO Kishtwar, Dr Subash Bhagat, said that though confirmed about receiving the news about the death of the minors in Warwan, but refuses to say any thing about the type of disease behind the cause of death. Bhaghat further said that the clear information about the cause of death could only be ascertain after the team reach this far flung area of Kishtwar, cut off from road and communication facilities.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Riyaz Ahmed Zargar said that a team from local administration along with doctors and medicines has been rushed to the villages. "We do not have any viable means of communication in the affected village as such we do not have the exact cause of the deaths so far", he said adding, "However, doctors and medicines have reached the village and we are taking all possible measures".
Director health Service Dr Jasbir Singh however confirmed spread of measles in the village and said that the department has sent a team of doctors headed by Block Medical Officer to Afti and Mingli