4 more die as measles toll reaches 656

Four more children have died from measles and measles-like symptoms across the country in the 24 hours ending at 8:00AM on Monday, raising the cumulative death toll to 656, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Of the latest fatalities, one was confirmed as a measles-related death through laboratory testing, while the remaining three were classified as suspected measles deaths.

With the latest figures, the number of laboratory-confirmed measles deaths has risen to 93, while suspected deaths now stand at 563.

The DGHS also reported 972 new suspected measles cases during the reporting period, bringing the nationwide total to 86,923 since the outbreak began.

Meanwhile, 64 new laboratory-confirmed infections were recorded over the past 24 hours, taking the total number of confirmed measles cases to 10,387.

Health authorities said a total of 71,467 patients with suspected measles have been hospitalised nationwide since March 15. Of them, 67,878 have recovered and been discharged from healthcare facilities.

The latest data indicate that the outbreak continues to place significant pressure on the country's healthcare system, with new infections and fatalities still being reported daily.

TZ