Four Children Die as Measles Cases Surge Nationwide

Four children have died in the past 24 hours with measles-like symptoms across the country, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Directorate General of Health Services’ control room.

Health officials confirmed that, during the same period, 116 new measles infections were laboratory-confirmed. This brings the total number of confirmed cases since 15 March to 11,710.

The latest update also shows a continuing high level of suspected infections. In the past 24 hours alone, 941 new patients presented with symptoms consistent with measles. As a result, the cumulative number of suspected cases from 15 March to 28 June has climbed to 99,207.

While no new deaths from confirmed measles were recorded in the latest 24-hour reporting window, the situation remains concerning due to fatalities among symptomatic cases. The four recent deaths fall under suspected measles-related cases, adding to the broader mortality burden linked to the outbreak. Since mid-March, suspected measles-related deaths have reached 619, while confirmed measles deaths stand at 93 over the same period.

Hospitals across the country continue to report sustained pressure as admissions remain high. From 15 March to 28 June, a total of 82,844 patients with suspected measles symptoms have required hospitalisation. Of these, 79,152 have recovered sufficiently to be discharged after receiving treatment.

Health authorities have linked the ongoing situation to gaps in routine immunisation coverage and delayed healthcare-seeking behaviour in some communities. Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, spreads rapidly in unvaccinated populations and can lead to severe complications, particularly among young children, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and severe dehydration.

In response to the rising caseload, the Directorate General of Health Services has reinforced vaccination drives and urged parents to ensure that children receive the full schedule of immunisation. Medical teams are also working to improve early detection and prompt treatment, particularly in high-risk areas where transmission remains active.

Officials continue to stress that vaccination remains the most effective protection against the disease, as health services work to contain the outbreak and reduce further loss of life.