An unidentified infectious illness resembling food poisoning has reportedly spread among residents of Dasht-e-Barchi in western Kabul, with local sources saying the number of affected people continues to increase.
According to the sources, the illness began spreading last week in the Wali Asr Township area of Qala-e-Naw and parts of Erfani Township. Residents in the affected areas have reportedly experienced symptoms similar to those associated with food poisoning.
The exact cause of the illness remains unknown, and there has been no confirmed information about the number of people affected or the severity of their condition. Local sources have called attention to the situation as more residents are reportedly becoming sick.
Dasht-e-Barchi is a densely populated area of western Kabul that is predominantly home to members of the Hazara and Shia communities. The spread of an unidentified illness in such a densely populated area could increase concerns about public health and access to medical services.
Health authorities have not yet provided detailed information regarding the suspected outbreak, its source or whether investigations are underway. It also remains unclear whether the illness is linked to contaminated food, water or another infectious source.
Further medical assessment and laboratory testing would be required to determine the cause of the reported illness and establish whether it constitutes a wider public health outbreak.