LAHORE: A measles outbreak in Punjab has resulted in the loss of three more lives in Multan, as reported by the Health Department on Friday.
The recent fatalities bring the total number of measles-related deaths among children in Punjab to 30.
Yesterday, health authorities identified 321 suspected cases of measles across the Punjab province. Breakdown of the new cases includes 47 from Lahore, 6 from Gujranwala, 4 from Vehari, 26 from Jhang, 11 from Rahim Yar Khan, and 14 from Multan. The number of confirmed measles cases in the province has now reached to 3,674.
Health officials in response to the outbreak are advising parents to ensure their children receive measles vaccination and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
The provincial government is increasing efforts to control the disease outbreak, with enhanced vaccination drives and public awareness campaigns to curbing the spread of the measles.
Authorities also continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to prevent further deaths and protect the health of children in Punjab.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles poses higher risks in poorer nations due to fragile health systems, but middle and high-income countries are also susceptible to outbreaks and fatalities.
The WHO highlighted the experiences of middle-income countries during previous outbreaks and expressed concerns that 2024 could mirror the challenges faced in 2019.
