57 children die of Measles during Eid holidays: DGHS

At least 57 children died from measles and its complications during the seven-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday, underscoring the continued severity of the outbreak across the country.

Data analyzed from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) regular measles surveillance reports show that 7,127 people sought treatment for measles symptoms during the holiday period, while nearly 3,500 families spent Eid in hospitals caring for infected children.

In the last 24 hours alone, two more children died with measles symptoms. During the same period, 1,324 patients received treatment, 791 were admitted to hospitals and 53 cases were laboratory-confirmed as measles.

Public health experts have warned that transmission remains high nationwide, with the death toll continuing to raise concern.

The outbreak has been intensifying since January. The DGHS began publishing regular measles situation reports on March 15 as infections surged across the country.

According to official data, a total of 70,936 people have sought treatment for measles symptoms so far this year. Of them, 56,886 required hospitalization, while 9,049 cases have been confirmed through testing.

Between March 15 and May 31, at least 585 children died from measles and related complications, averaging more than 49 deaths per week. In the latest reporting week, from May 25 to May 31, authorities recorded 57 deaths and 7,127 new symptomatic cases.

Health experts say the latest figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen vaccination coverage, early detection and treatment efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life among children.