Three more children die with measles symptoms, 1,228 cases in 24 hrs

Three more children have died with measles symptoms across the country in the past 24 hours, while 1,228 new cases of measles and measles-like symptoms were reported nationwide, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

However, no death from laboratory-confirmed measles was reported during the period, the DGHS said in its latest measles situation update released Sunday afternoon (August 23).

Of the new cases reported over the 24-hour period, 131 children were confirmed to have measles, while 1,097 were reported with measles-like symptoms. A total of 1,026 patients were admitted to hospitals, while 824 were discharged after treatment.

Since March 15, a total of 834 children have died with measles symptoms across the country, while 99 deaths have been recorded among children with confirmed measles, bringing the combined death toll from measles and measles-like illness to 933, according to the DGHS.

During the same period, 149,503 suspected measles cases were reported nationwide. Of them, 18,404 were confirmed as measles cases. Hospitals admitted 130,609 patients, while 125,975 have so far been discharged after treatment.

The DGHS said its regular surveillance shows that significant numbers of children continue to seek hospital treatment every day with measles and measles-like symptoms.

Authorities are focusing on early detection and treatment of affected children while strengthening vaccination activities to contain the outbreak.