Two young girls have died and several members of the same family have been hospitalised after suspected cholera and severe diarrhoea cases were reported in Bajaur’s Utman Khel tehsil, health officials said.

The cases were reported in Bandagai area, where 10 members of one family were affected. The deceased girls were identified as nine-year-old Alisha Bibi and four-year-old Pakiza Bibi.

Hospital sources said the affected family belongs to Lower Dir. Other patients were shifted to Timergara Hospital for medical treatment.

Following the reports, the Bajaur Health Department launched an emergency response in the affected area. Officials said an outbreak response team visited Bandagai on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Bajaur and the District Health Officer.

The team collected water samples from the area to determine the possible source of contamination. Health officials said the affected family was provided medicines, oral rehydration salts and other essential medical support.

The Bajaur Health Department said the situation is being monitored and emergency steps have been ordered to control the spread of the illness.

Officials also urged residents to use safe drinking water, maintain hygiene and seek immediate medical help in case of severe diarrhoea, vomiting or dehydration symptoms.

Cholera and acute watery diarrhoea can spread quickly through contaminated water or food, making early treatment and clean water access critical in affected communities.

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