Lower Dir: Health authorities have launched an investigation into reports of a febrile illness in several villages of Adenzai tehsil after residents reported seven deaths over the past two weeks.

Residents of Khanpur, Asbanr, Baramikay, Bochakay, Shadam and Shorshing said several people had developed fever, breathing difficulties and other complications. Patients were taken to hospitals in Chakdara, Swat and other areas for treatment.

Residents called on the provincial health department and district administration to deploy medical teams and establish medical camps in the affected areas.

District Health Officer Dr Niaz Mohammad Afridi said initial findings did not suggest that all the reported deaths were linked to one outbreak.

He said two children who died in Baramikay had been born prematurely, while two young men from Bochakay were being treated for meningitis in Peshawar. A woman reported among the deceased had tuberculosis, he added.

The DHO said authorities had received reports of an acute febrile illness in Bochakay, with a zoonotic disease among the possible causes being investigated. Health teams visited the village and collected samples for laboratory testing.

Anti dengue and anti malaria spraying has also been carried out in Bochakay and Baramikay as a precaution.

Deputy Commissioner Basharat Ahmad has formed a joint team of health, livestock and public health officials under Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief) Syed Akram Shah to investigate the cases.

Officials said the team would visit the affected villages, collect information from residents and submit a report after completing its inquiry.