4 more children die as measles outbreak deepens

Four more children have died from measles and measles-related symptoms across the country in the past 24 hours, while 1,205 new infections were reported during the same period, according to the latest report released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Thursday.

Of the four deaths, one child succumbed to confirmed measles infection, while the remaining three died after developing symptoms associated with the disease, the report said.

According to DGHS data, the total death toll from measles and related complications has risen to 605 since March 15 this year. 

The report also noted that 1,136 children were identified as suspected measles cases over the last 24 hours. Between March 15 and May 30, the cumulative number of suspected measles cases reached 75,708.

Meanwhile, 69 children were confirmed to have contracted measles during the reporting period, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 9,260 nationwide.

Health Directorate statistics showed that 61,194 suspected measles patients were admitted to hospitals between March 15 and May 30.

During the same period, 57,142 patients recovered and were discharged from hospitals.

The DGHS said that of the total fatalities recorded so far, 514 were among suspected measles patients, while 91 deaths were confirmed as resulting from measles infection.

TZ