Measles Outbreak in Pakistan (2025): Causes, Symptoms, and Preventive Measures
The resurgence of measles in Pakistan during 2024 and 2025 has become a growing concern for healthcare authorities, parents, and educators alike. Despite the disease being preventable through routine vaccination, Pakistan continues to witness widespread outbreaks, with over 130 reported child deaths in Sindh province alone.
This article outlines the current measles situation in Pakistan, explores its symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies, and highlights the critical role of immunization in ending the outbreak.
What Is Measles?
Measles, also known as rubella or خسرہ in Urdu, is a highly contagious viral infection. It spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or comes into close contact with others.
In 2025, despite global progress in reducing measles deaths, the disease remains a leading cause of vaccine-preventable mortality among children in developing nations—including Pakistan.
Symptoms of Measles in Children
Measles typically develops in stages over 10 to 14 days. Its early signs are often mistaken for the flu or common cold. Key symptoms include:
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High fever (often exceeding 104°F or 40°C)
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Persistent cough and runny nose
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Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
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Small white spots inside the mouth (known as Koplik spots)
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A red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward
If left untreated, measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, diarrhea, ear infections, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death—particularly among malnourished or unvaccinated children.
Why Measles Is Spreading in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2024–2025)
Several factors have contributed to the spread of measles in Pakistan in recent years:
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Low vaccination coverage in rural and underdeveloped regions
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Vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and cultural resistance
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Disruptions in immunization programs due to COVID-19 (2020–2022) and the aftermath of major floods (2022–2023)
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Limited access to quality child healthcare services, particularly in remote areas
As of mid-2025, areas like Sindh and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain particularly vulnerable due to these overlapping challenges.
Pakistan's Measles Vaccination Schedule (2025)
Under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Pakistan’s national measles immunization schedule is as follows:
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First dose: at 9 months of age
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Second dose: at 15 months
Both doses are provided free of charge at government hospitals, basic health units, and mobile vaccination camps.
In response to the outbreak, UNICEF and WHO have supported emergency vaccination campaigns throughout the country, aiming to close immunity gaps and stop the spread.
How to Prevent Measles in Children (2025 Guidelines)
While measles is highly contagious, it is also entirely preventable. The most effective strategies for prevention include:
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Ensuring timely administration of both measles vaccine doses
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Isolating infected individuals during the contagious phase
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Educating parents and caregivers about symptoms and prevention
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Promoting strong nutrition and vitamin A supplementation
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Reporting suspected cases to health authorities for prompt action
In high-risk areas, community engagement through schools, mosques, and local leaders plays a vital role in spreading awareness and encouraging vaccination.
Government Response and Public Health Measures (2024–2025)
The Government of Pakistan, along with international partners, has implemented several interventions to control the measles outbreak:
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Mass vaccination drives in outbreak zones such as Karachi, Sukkur, and Dera Ismail Khan
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Door-to-door immunization campaigns in underserved districts
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Health education programs targeting vaccine hesitancy
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Deployment of rapid response teams to monitor and contain infections
However, experts emphasize that emergency efforts must be matched with long-term investment in routine immunization services to prevent future outbreaks.
Final Thoughts
The measles outbreak in Pakistan during 2024 and 2025 underscores the urgent need for a stronger, more resilient public health infrastructure. Although preventable, measles continues to endanger thousands of children each year—especially those left unprotected by incomplete immunization.
As we look ahead, consistent vaccination, public education, and early disease detection remain our most powerful tools in ensuring that no child dies from a disease we have the means to defeat.
Let us not forget: every missed vaccine is a missed opportunity to save a life.