MULTAN: Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the spread of influenza in the province Sunday morning, a day after four people died of the viral illness in Multan. 

Shehbaz directed relevant authorities to take all possible measures for the prevention of influenza and advised them to organise awareness campaign regarding the illness.

Moreover, the Punjab health department informed that as many as 18 people have been diagnosed with influenza in Punjab. Influenza has claimed eight lives so far, it added. 

Seasonal influenza claims four lives in Multan

At least 22 people have been diagnosed with the disease that has claimed eight lives in December

On Saturday, four people in Multan died after contracting seasonal influenza. 

Statistics released by the Health Department for the month of December state that over 35 patients at the Nishtar Hospital were diagnosed with symptoms that include influenza, cough, joint pain, running nose, vomiting, and fever.

Patients who died after contracting seasonal influenza were already suffering from another disease, said the Spokesperson of the Health Department in Multan Dr Atta-ur-Rehman.

Seasonal influenza can spread through contact with the bacteria discharged by an infected person's coughing and sneezing. Pregnant women, senior citizens, and children are susceptible to the disease.