Commissioner Sukhar has written to the Health Secretary, warning of a serious situation, noting that most affected patients are newborns and young children.

An isolation ward has been established at Khairpur Medical College, but district health officials say one ward is insufficient for the district’s eight tehsils.

More than 70 children are suspected to have contracted the disease in surrounding areas, including Nara, Faizganj, Kot Diji, and Subhu Dero.