LAHORE–Measles continues to take a toll on children in Punjab, where hundreds of cases have been reported in recent days.
Two children died from measles in Lahore in the last 24 hours (Tuesday), according to the health department. One child belonged to Lahore and the other to Rahim Yar Khan.
The measles death toll in Punjab has risen to 26, with four in Lahore alone.
On Tuesday, 151 new cases were reported across Punjab, including 43 in Lahore, 21 in Gujranwala, 35 in Rahim Yar Khan, and 47 in Vehari.
There are 3,389 confirmed cases in Punjab.
According to doctors, a lack of vaccination is one of the leading causes of measles outbreaks. A vaccinated child is less likely to contract the disease, and even if he or she does, the severity of the illness is reduced if the child is vaccinated on time.
What WHO says:
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines measles as a highly contagious disease caused by a virus.
It is easily transmitted when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can result in severe illness, complications, and even death.
The WHO says measles can affect anyone, but it is most common in children. It first infects the respiratory tract before spreading throughout the body.
Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a generalized rash.
Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to avoid getting sick with measles or spreading it to others. The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight the virus.
