8 more children die of measles

Eight more children have died from measles and measles-like symptoms in the past 24 hours, as the outbreak continues to worsen across the country.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the latest deaths have pushed the total number of fatalities linked to measles symptoms to 216 since March 15.

The figures were disclosed in a DGHS statement issued on Sunday.

The statement said 1,412 suspected measles cases were reported in the last 24 hours, up from 1,058 a day earlier. During the same period, 216 confirmed measles cases were recorded, slightly down from 229 reported the previous day.

Meanwhile, the total number of patients admitted to hospitals with suspected measles has risen to 21,434, compared with 20,375 reported on Saturday. So far, 17,955 patients have been discharged from hospitals, up from 17,091 a day earlier.