Punjab Province in Pakistan Reports a Total of 3,674 Measles Infections and 30 Deaths So Far with No Respite Expected!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 08, 2024 6 months, 2 weeks, 1 day, 3 hours, 40 minutes ago
Measles News: The Punjab province of Pakistan is grappling with a severe measles outbreak, with the number of infections and fatalities rising alarmingly. Health authorities report a total of 3,674 confirmed cases and 30 deaths so far, with no signs of the outbreak abating.
Punjab Province in Pakistan Reports a Total of 3,674
Measles Infections and 30 Deaths So Far with No Respite
Expected
Recent Developments
The measles situation in Punjab has worsened significantly, with a marked increase in both suspected and confirmed cases. Tragically, in the past 24 hours alone, three children succumbed to the disease in Multan, according to the Health Department. This recent surge in fatalities highlights the critical state of the outbreak, which has already claimed 30 lives across the province, including 11 in Lahore alone.
On Friday, health officials identified 321 new suspected measles cases. The breakdown of these cases is as follows: 47 from Lahore, 6 from Gujranwala, 4 from Vehari, 26 from Jhang, 11 from Rahim Yar Khan, and 14 from Multan. These figures underscore the widespread nature of the outbreak and the urgent need for comprehensive measures to control its spread. Local
Measles News coverages in the country indicate that the crisis could be more extensive and worrisome as private hospitals in the province are already running out of hospital beds to accommodate those that are having severe conditions as a result of the measles infections.
Response and Measures
In response to the escalating crisis, health officials are urging parents to ensure their children receive the measles vaccination and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear. The provincial government has intensified its efforts to combat the outbreak, launching enhanced vaccination drives and public awareness campaigns aimed at curbing the spread of the disease.
The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has also stepped up its directives to private hospitals, instructing them to make necessary arrangements for treating measles and heat stroke patients. Hospitals have been directed to prioritize the treatment of these patients in their emergency departments, given the rising heat intensity and the ongoing outbreak. The PHC has also mandated the nomination of focal persons for timely reporting on the measles dashboard, ensuring swift and coordinated responses to new cases.
Government Audit and Accountability
In a significant move to address the root causes of the outbreak, the Punjab government has announced a comprehensive audit of health authorities across all districts. This audit aims to improve vaccination coverage and enhance accountability in healthcare services. Sources within the health department have confirmed that Secretary of Health Punjab has been instructed to initiate this audit.
The audit comes in response to a concerning decline in vaccination rates, which have plummeted from over 90% in 2017 to just 68% in 2023. The Health Department
has demanded a five-year record of vaccination coverage from all districts, focusing on identifying and suspending officers from districts with the poorest performance. Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir emphasized the government's commitment to accountability, stating, "We have decided to conduct a thorough audit and hold employees accountable for their performance. This is crucial for restoring the effectiveness of our health programmes and ensuring public trust."
Insights from WHO
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death, particularly in children. The virus infects the respiratory tract before spreading throughout the body, with symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash all over the body.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The WHO stresses that the vaccine is safe and crucial for helping the body fight off the virus. Health experts in Punjab have echoed this sentiment, highlighting that vaccinated children are less likely to contract the disease and, if they do, the severity of their symptoms is significantly reduced.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in Punjab is a stark reminder of the critical importance of vaccination and effective public health measures. As the provincial government intensifies its efforts to control the outbreak, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including parents, healthcare providers, and public health officials, to work together to protect the health and well-being of children across the province. The ongoing audit and increased accountability measures are steps in the right direction, aiming to restore public trust and ensure the effectiveness of health programmes in Punjab.
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