Unknown disease claims four children in Patuakhali

The dead were identified as Razu, 13, son of Motalib, and Moni, 10, Sajib, 8, and Arif, 7, daughter and sons of Amir Hossain of village Paschim Mandarpara under Kachhipara union.

Razu died at 10 pm on Thursday night and the other three between 8:am- and 10:am yesterday. All were students of Kachhipara primary school.

Family sources said vomiting and loose motion with severe stomach pain are symptoms of the disease and condition of the patients worsen within hours.

Of the 20 attacked with the disease, four are in a critical condition. They are Humaun, 14, Mustafa, 50,Wasim, 5 and Anjan, 15.

Locals alleged that the victims did not get any medical aid from the local community clinic.

Nurrunabi, upazila nirbahi officer and Dr Shah Alam, upazila health officer of Baufal, visited the area and confirmed the deaths and cases of attacks.

Shah Alam could not say if these were cases of diarrhoea or cholera.

Health and administration officials also visited the spot, and a special medical team has been sent there.