The measles outbreak in Bangladesh continues to take a heavy toll, with 12 more children dying of the disease and related symptoms in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning.
According to the latest report from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), four of the deceased had confirmed cases of measles, while the remaining eight exhibited symptoms associated with the viral infection.
Casualties and Regional Breakdown
Of the four confirmed measles deaths, two were reported in the Dhaka division, while the Chittagong and Barisal divisions recorded one death each. Among those who died with measles-like symptoms, three were from Dhaka, three from Chittagong, and one each from the Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions.
The DGHS also reported that 1,192 new cases with measles symptoms were recorded nationwide during this 24-hour period, with 111 cases officially confirmed through testing.
Escalating Crisis Since March
The data paints a grim picture of the current health crisis. Since March 15:
- Total Deaths: 451 children have lost their lives (74 confirmed measles cases and 377 with symptoms).
- Total Infections: 55,611 children have shown symptoms of the disease.
- Hospitalizations: 40,176 children required hospital admission, though 36,055 have since recovered and returned home.
- Confirmed Cases: Total laboratory-confirmed measles cases have reached 7,416.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation as the number of infections and fatalities rises across multiple divisions, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and vaccination efforts to curb the spread.
