The deceased are Aklima Khatun, Anjuman, Sharmeen, Jahura Begum, Askhar Ali, Jamir Ali, Abdul Hakim, Shafiqul, Joy and Anwar Hossain. Two of them died of pneumonia All the victims hailed from Atwari, Panchagarh Sadar, Ruhia and Tetulia upazila.

About 300 others are suffering from the diseases. They are now undergoing treatment at the upazila health complexes in Tetulia, Debiganj, Boda and Atwari.

However, Panchagarh Sadar Hospital officials claimed that 8 people had died in last 7 days.

Panchagarh Sadar Hospital sources said the disease broke out due to hot weather at daytime and cold weather at night. Children are the worst victims, they said.

Md Masud Karim, a doctor at Panchagarh Sadar Hospital said they are facing acute accommodation problem. Besides, there is shortage of oxygen cylinders in the hospital, he said.

However, Pancahgarh civil surgeon (CS) Md Shakhawat could not be contacted for his comments despite several attempts made by this correspondent.