LAHORE: A total of 1,695 suspected measles cases have been reported in Punjab during the first four weeks of 2026, with 330 cases confirmed through laboratory testing, according to a report submitted by the Director General Health Services to the Lahore High Court (LHC).
The report was filed in response to a petition concerning measles-related deaths in the province.
It stated that 40 outbreak alerts have been issued across Punjab so far this year, indicating heightened surveillance and response measures by health authorities.
Providing a comparative analysis, the DG Health Services informed the court that in 2024, Punjab recorded 23,680 suspected measles cases, of which 6,747 were laboratory confirmed.
In 2025, the number of suspected cases declined to 19,913, with 4,000 cases verified through lab testing.
The report also detailed measles-related fatalities, noting that 16 deaths were recorded in 2024, while four deaths were reported in 2025.
In view of the current situation, the health department has stepped up monitoring and surveillance activities across the province.
Officials said several high-level meetings have been convened under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary and the Provincial Health Minister to assess the evolving situation and strengthen response strategies.
Authorities have accelerated surveillance in districts reporting outbreaks and directed stricter monitoring at both district and hospital levels to prevent further spread of the disease.
News Published in Express Tribune on February 20th, 2026.
