A rapid surge in chickenpox cases in Khairpur has claimed the lives of five children in the past three days, including three newborns, raising alarm among health authorities.

More than 100 children have been affected by the outbreak in areas including Kanb, Buzdar Wada and Garhi Pul.

The rising cases have prompted the health department to take immediate notice of the situation.

District Health Officer Dr Barkat Ali said a nine-member committee has been formed to investigate the deaths of the children.

He added that emergency instructions have been issued to establish isolation wards in taluka hospitals across the district.

Medical teams comprising senior doctors have also been dispatched to the affected areas to provide immediate treatment and medical support to the children.