3 more deaths add to growing measles toll

Three more children died with measles-like symptoms across the country in the last 24 hours, while 1,063 new cases of measles and measles-related symptoms were reported during the same period, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

In its latest measles situation report released on Sunday, the DGHS said the latest deaths were linked to measles symptoms, although no child died from confirmed measles infection during the reporting period.

Since March 15, a total of 587 children have died with measles-like symptoms nationwide, while 93 deaths have been confirmed as caused by measles. The combined death toll from measles and related symptoms has now reached 680.

During the past 24 hours, 62 children were confirmed to have contracted measles, while 1,001 others were reported with suspected measles symptoms. A total of 957 children were admitted to hospitals during the period, while 879 were discharged after receiving treatment.

According to DGHS data, the country has recorded 92,790 suspected measles cases and 11,011 confirmed infections since March 15.

Of the total patients, 76,859 required hospitalization, while 72,849 have already recovered and returned home after treatment.

TZ