Measles claims 53 children

KARACHI:

A fresh surge in measles cases has taken a dangerous turn in Sindh, with more than 2,000 children infected so far this year and 53 losing their lives due to complications.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, paediatrician Dr Khalid Shafi said that the nationwide death toll from measles has reached 96. Across Pakistan, over 20,000 suspected cases have been reported this year, of which more than 7,000 have been laboratory-confirmed.

According to official data, KP has reported 24 deaths, Punjab 15, and Balochistan four, while Sindh accounts for the highest number of fatalities at 53. Dr Shafi urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to protect them from measles and other life-threatening diseases. He added that nearly 30% of parents do not vaccinate their children.

He further stated that the first measles vaccine is administered at nine months of age, followed by a second dose at 15 months. In case of infection, particularly among children under five, timely care and vaccination remain critical.