Health Desk – Four more children have died after exhibiting symptoms of measles over the last 24 hours (from Saturday 8:00 AM to Sunday 8:00 AM). Among the deceased, one death was reported each in Dhaka, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Khulna divisions.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), an additional 1,127 children across the country have been diagnosed with measles or have shown symptoms of the disease during the past day.
The fresh data was disclosed in the latest measles situation report released by the DGHS today, Sunday. With the latest fatalities, the total death toll from measles and suspected measles symptoms in the country has escalated to 652.
Health data reveals that since March 15 of this year, 560 children have died showing symptoms of measles. Additionally, 92 children died after their lab tests confirmed they were infected with the virus.
The DGHS report further stated that a total of 85,951 children have shown measles-like symptoms since March 15. Among them, 10,323 cases have been laboratory-confirmed as measles.
During this period, 70,579 children were admitted to various hospitals nationwide with symptoms of the disease. Among those hospitalized, 66,841 children have recovered and returned home after receiving medical treatment.
Public health experts have warned that measles is a highly contagious disease. They emphasized that alongside ensuring children receive their timely vaccinations, it is crucial to bring infected individuals under immediate medical supervision.
The DGHS has also strongly urged parents to remain vigilant and ensure their children receive the scheduled MMR/measles vaccines.
Earlier in April, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a report expressing deep concern over the situation, categorizing the ongoing measles outbreak in Bangladesh as “high risk” at the national level.