Measles outbreak claims more children as infections continue rising nationwide

A worrying rise in measles-related illness continues across the country, with nine more children reported dead from measles and related complications in the past 24 hours. During the same period, 945 new suspected and confirmed cases were recorded, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.

The latest update, issued on Thursday afternoon, highlights the continuing strain on health facilities as infections persist. Officials clarified that while nine deaths were recorded in the past day among children showing measles-like symptoms, none have been confirmed as directly caused by measles infection after laboratory verification.

Since 15 March, the scale of the outbreak has become increasingly severe. Health authorities report that 605 children have died with measles-related symptoms during this period. In addition, 93 deaths have been confirmed as directly caused by measles infection. That brings the total number of child deaths linked to the outbreak to 698.

In terms of infections, the situation remains fluid. Over the past 24 hours, 52 children were confirmed to have measles, while a further 893 were classified under suspected measles-related symptoms. Hospitals admitted 860 new patients during the same period, while 906 children were discharged after receiving treatment.

The cumulative figures since mid-March underline the scale of the outbreak. A total of 96,653 suspected measles cases have been recorded nationwide, alongside 11,442 confirmed infections. Health facilities have admitted 80,497 patients so far, with 76,788 discharged after recovery.

Health experts point to disruptions in routine immunisation coverage as a key factor behind such outbreaks, particularly among young children. Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, spreads rapidly in communities where vaccination rates fall below recommended thresholds. Medical professionals stress that timely vaccination and early detection remain the most effective tools to prevent further fatalities.

Hospitals across several districts continue to report high patient admissions linked to fever, rash, and respiratory complications consistent with measles symptoms. Health authorities say monitoring and response efforts have been intensified, though the sustained number of new cases indicates that the outbreak is yet to stabilise.