A further nine children have died in the country within the past 24 hours amid a continuing surge in suspected measles infections and related symptoms, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Directorate General of Health Services on Tuesday.
Health officials confirmed that one of the deaths was directly attributed to Measles, while the remaining eight children died after exhibiting symptoms consistent with the disease. The distinction highlights ongoing diagnostic challenges as medical teams work to confirm cases during the outbreak.
During the same 24-hour reporting period—covering from 8:00 am on 13 April to 8:00 am on 14 April—hospitals across the country admitted 698 children showing symptoms associated with measles. Of these, 176 cases were laboratory-confirmed as measles infections.
The rise in admissions has placed additional pressure on paediatric wards, particularly in major urban hospitals where patient inflow has been steadily increasing over recent days. Health authorities have intensified surveillance and response measures, including case identification, isolation protocols, and vaccination drives in high-risk areas.
Officials have reiterated that many of the affected children had either not received the measles vaccine or had incomplete immunisation histories, a factor that significantly increases vulnerability to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and severe dehydration.
Key figures from the latest 24-hour period
| Category |
Number of cases |
| Total deaths (suspected + confirmed) |
9 |
| Confirmed measles deaths |
1 |
| Deaths with measles-like symptoms |
8 |
| Hospital admissions (symptomatic cases) |
698 |
| Laboratory-confirmed measles cases |
176 |
Public health experts have warned that the current trend underscores the importance of sustained immunisation coverage and early detection. They stress that measles remains highly contagious, particularly among unvaccinated children, and can spread rapidly in densely populated communities.
Medical teams have also been instructed to prioritise supportive treatment for severe cases and ensure adequate isolation facilities to prevent further transmission within healthcare settings.
The Directorate General of Health Services is expected to continue daily monitoring of the situation as part of its emergency response framework. Authorities are urging parents to ensure timely vaccination of their children and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as high fever, rash, cough, or red eyes appear.
The situation remains under close observation as health services work to contain the spread and reduce further fatalities across the country.
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