Measles outbreak: Death toll rises to 545 as 17 more die in 24hrs

17 children died from measles and measles-like syndrome in the 24 hours between 8am yesterday and 8am today (25 May), raising the total death toll to 545, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

During the same period, 1,127 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the country.

Among them, 97 cases were confirmed as measles through laboratory testing, DGHS data showed.

So far this year, at least 87 children have died from confirmed measles infections, while another 458 children died after showing symptoms consistent with the disease.

According to DGHS statistics, a total of 8,719 measles cases were laboratory-confirmed between 15 March and 25 May.

The latest health bulletin also said 64,940 suspected measles cases have so far been identified nationwide.

Of them, 47,619 patients have already been discharged after receiving treatment.