Measles death toll rises to 488

Seven more children died from measles and measles-like symptoms across the country in the last 24 hours, raising the total death toll to 488, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The deaths were recorded between 8:00am on Wednesday and 8:00am on Thursday. Of the deceased, four children were confirmed to have measles through laboratory tests, while three others died after showing symptoms similar to measles.

During the same period, 1,423 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the country. Among them, 208 were later confirmed as measles cases.

According to DGHS data, 83 children have died from confirmed measles infections so far this year, while 405 others died after showing symptoms consistent with the disease. Between March 15 and May 21, a total of 8,275 measles cases were confirmed through laboratory testing, official figures showed.

The latest health bulletin also said 59,279 suspected measles cases have been reported across the country so far. Of them, 42,336 patients have recovered and been discharged after receiving treatment.