The impact of measles is becoming increasingly alarming in the country. In the last 24 hours, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has reported the death of eight more children with measles and its symptoms, which has raised new questions about the public health situation.
According to the latest government report, the cause of death of two children is sure to be measles, while the other six have died of measles. The total death toll from March 15 to April 16th of this year ranked 206—one of the highest in recent years.
According to statistics, the number of suspected measles patients has increased in the last one day, with 1,191. Ninety-two people were infected at the same time. In the space of a month — from March 15 to April 16 — the number of suspected cases stood at 20,352 people and the confirmed number reached 3,065.
An analysis of hospital-based data showed that a total of 13,129 patients had to be admitted to the hospital during this time. Although 10,496 people have recovered and returned home with treatment, the death rate and the prevalence of new cases are putting increased pressure on the health system.
Thirty-four children have died of measles so far. On the other hand, only 172 people have died of symptom-based suspected measles—which clarify the vulnerability of the immune system.
Public health experts say the situation is not just a question of immunisation coverage, but also the result of multi-dimensional challenges such as disease detection, malnutrition, healthcare availability and public awareness. The increase in infection rates, especially in young children, is alarming, as many of them have not yet received full doses of the vaccine.