LAHORE, Jan 23: A baby died of severe measles complications in the provincial capital on Wednesday while the number of children affected by the disease has reached 208 in Lahore.

It was the second measles-related death took place in the provincial capital in January.

The eight-month-old Wasif, who was under treatment at the Mayo Hospital’s paediatrics department, succumbed to the measles at 8am on Wednesday.

Lahore executive district officer (health) told Dawn the total number of the measles-affected children has reached 208 after 19 new cases were reported on Wednesday at various government hospitals here.

Mayo Hospital Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Zahid Pervez confirmed the baby’s death was caused by measles.

Talking to Dawn, he said seven measles-affected babies were still under treatment at the hospital.

Dr Zahid said the hospital had received 37 children affected by the disease since January 1.

Children’s Hospital Dean Prof Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore said as many as 36 babies had been provided measles treatment at the facility since Jan 1 and at present six were admitted there.

According to a health department spokesman, a total of 19 children were hospitalised on Wednesday for measles treatment.

Of them, he said seven were admitted to Mayo Hospital, five to Services Hospital, two to Ghurki Trust Hospital and one baby was admitted to Government Kot Khwaja Saeed Hospital.