Seven Die as Measles Cases Surge Across Bangladesh

Seven people died from measles and measles-like symptoms across the country in the 24 hours from 8am Tuesday to 8am Wednesday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Of the deaths, one was confirmed as measles, while six were reported as suspected cases, the DGHS said.

During the same period, 1,187 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals nationwide. Among them, 642 cases were confirmed through laboratory testing.

So far this year, at least 23 children have died from confirmed measles infections in Bangladesh. In addition, 143 children have died after showing symptoms consistent with the disease.

DGHS data shows that 2,241 measles cases were laboratory-confirmed between 15 March and 9 April.

According to the latest health bulletin, a total of 12,320 suspected measles cases have been recorded across the country, with 8,251 patients already discharged after treatment.

Barishal

Two more children died from measles in Barishal in the past 24 hours.

The deceased were five-month-old Abdullah from Bakerganj in Barishal and nine-month-old Abu Saleh from Amtali in Barguna.

Barishal Divisional Health Director Dr Shyamal Krishna Mondal confirmed the deaths.

With the latest fatalities, the number of measles-related deaths in the division has risen to 12.

During the same period, 100 new patients with measles symptoms were admitted to hospitals in the division.

Health officials said 1,080 patients with measles-like symptoms had been hospitalised in Barishal division between 1 January and 8 April.

Sylhet

Another child died from measles in Sylhet during the same 24-hour period.

The deceased, Arisha, aged five months and 21 days, was from Gobindaganj in Chhatak, Sunamganj. She died while receiving treatment at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.

Assistant Director (Disease Control) Dr Mohammad Noore Alam Shamim said the child had initially been admitted to Shahid Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital on 6 April with pneumonia and fever.

He said she was later shifted to the intensive care unit at Osmani Medical College Hospital after her condition worsened and died at night.

The death toll from measles in Sylhet has now risen to two.

Earlier, a two-month-old child also died from measles at the same hospital on 6 April.

During the same 24 hours, two new cases were confirmed through laboratory tests, while 36 suspected patients were admitted to different hospitals, including 14 at Shahid Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital.

From 1 January to 6 April, a total of 39 cases were laboratory-confirmed in the division.

Rajshahi

The outbreak at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital continued, with four more children dying from measles-related complications in the past 24 hours.

During the same period, 27 suspected patients were admitted, while 24 were discharged after treatment.

At present, 132 patients with measles symptoms are undergoing treatment at the hospital.

So far, 479 patients have been admitted there, while the death toll has climbed to 50.

Dr Sankar K Biswas said immediate treatment is essential if symptoms appear and urged parents to ensure their children receive proper vaccination.