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Karachi, Pakistan – A concerning measles outbreak in Sindh has resulted in the deaths of 17 children in the past two months, according to the Sindh Health Department. The outbreak has seen over 1,100 cases reported across the province between January 1st and March 8th of this year, raising alarm among health officials.
The district of Khairpur has been particularly hard-hit, with 10 children succumbing to the highly contagious disease. Karachi has also seen a significant number of infections, with 550 cases reported in the last two months alone. Specifically, Karachi’s East district reported five deaths, while Sukkur and Jacobabad each reported one fatality.
Recent reports also indicate that seven children died in Khairpur within just two days, highlighting the rapid spread and severity of the outbreak in the region.
Health officials and doctors attribute the high mortality rate to a lack of vaccination and public awareness about the disease, which is otherwise preventable through immunization. “Daily four to six measles patients are being reported at government hospitals,” hospital officials told ARY News, noting that children under five years old are particularly vulnerable, with many developing pneumonia as a complication.
Measles, caused by the measles virus, is a highly contagious infectious disease. Symptoms typically appear 10-12 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a characteristic red rash. Common complications include diarrhea, middle ear infection, and pneumonia.
Data from the Pakistan health department released on December 31, 2024, revealed a grim picture of the disease’s impact throughout the year, with 132 child deaths, over 13,000 suspected cases, and 6,670 confirmed cases nationwide. Notably, that data showed only three deaths in Karachi for the entire year 2024, a discrepancy when compared to the recent outbreak.
Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles and to seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit any symptoms. They also stress the importance of public awareness campaigns to combat the spread of misinformation and encourage vaccination.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on reports from ARY News and Dawn. The data regarding the deaths in Karachi for the entire year of 2024, compared to the recent outbreak, shows a discrepancy. Further investigations and updated reports are necessary to provide a complete and accurate understanding of the situation. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare1 professional for any health concerns.(https://www.firstpost.com/world/thai-pm-shinawatra-faces-no-confidence-motion-over-economy-family-ties-13873885.html)
