Measles claims 5 more lives in 24 hours

Five more children have died from measles and measles-like symptoms across Bangladesh in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 610 since mid-March, according to the latest data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Bangladesh reported five more child deaths linked to measles and measles-like symptoms over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities to 610 amid a continuing nationwide outbreak.

According to the latest DGHS health bulletin, 1,168 children with suspected measles symptoms were admitted to hospitals between Thursday and Friday morning. Laboratory tests also confirmed 243 new measles cases during the period.

Of the five latest fatalities, four were reported in the Dhaka Division and one in the Sylhet Division. Health authorities said the children had exhibited symptoms consistent with measles, although laboratory confirmation was not available.

Since March 15, a total of 91 children have died from laboratory-confirmed measles, while another 519 children have died with measles-like symptoms, taking the overall death toll to 610.

The DGHS said 9,503 measles cases have been laboratory-confirmed nationwide since March 15. During the same period, 76,876 suspected cases were recorded, with 62,287 patients requiring hospitalization.

Health officials reported that 58,154 children have recovered and been discharged from hospitals so far.

Read More: Four more children die as measles death toll hits 605

Public health experts continue to stress the importance of routine measles-rubella (MR) vaccination, early diagnosis, isolation of infected children, and prompt medical treatment to contain the outbreak and prevent further deaths.