Measles Deaths Rise as Cases Cross 3,400 Mark

Four more children have died from measles or measles-like symptoms in the past 24 hours as the outbreak continues to spread across the country, health authorities said on Sunday.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported that the deaths occurred between 8am on Saturday and 8am on Sunday (April 19).

During the same period, 1,197 patients showing measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals nationwide, while 165 cases were confirmed as measles through laboratory testing.

With the latest deaths, the toll has continued to rise sharply. So far this year, at least 36 children have died from confirmed measles infections, while another 181 deaths have been reported with symptoms consistent with the disease, pushing suspected measles-related fatalities beyond 200.

Confirmed infections have also increased significantly. DGHS data shows that 3,443 cases were confirmed through laboratory tests between 15 March and 19 April alone.

Overall surveillance indicates 23,606 suspected measles cases have been recorded nationwide so far this year. Of them, 12,396 patients have recovered and been discharged, while many others are still receiving treatment.