Two More Child Deaths Deepen Sylhet Measles Crisis

The measles outbreak in Bangladesh’s Sylhet Division has claimed the lives of two more children, further intensifying public health concerns across the region. The latest fatalities occurred among children who were suffering from measles-related complications, including pneumonia, while receiving treatment in intensive care units.

According to health authorities, the two deceased children were seven-month-old Sarhan, son of Sajol Mia from East Sultanpur in Moulvibazar Sadar Upazila, and five-month-old Ahiyan, son of Ujjal Mia from Osmaninagar in Sylhet District. Both children were undergoing treatment at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital when they died.

Dr Mahbubul Alam, Director of the Health Directorate in Sylhet Division, confirmed the deaths and said that measles symptoms accompanied by pneumonia were identified in the affected children. He also noted that the disease continues to spread, placing considerable pressure on healthcare facilities throughout the division.

Health officials reported that laboratory testing confirmed two additional measles cases during the past 24 hours. During the same period, 69 new patients displaying suspected measles symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the division. As a result, the number of patients currently receiving treatment in public and private hospitals has risen to 261.

Data compiled by the Sylhet Divisional Health Directorate show that between 1 January and the present reporting period, a total of 327 measles cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing across the division. The highest number of confirmed infections has been recorded in Sunamganj District, followed by Sylhet, Habiganj and Moulvibazar.

Confirmed Measles Cases in Sylhet Division

The outbreak has also resulted in a significant death toll. District-wise mortality data indicate that Sylhet District has recorded 29 deaths, including two laboratory-confirmed measles fatalities. Sunamganj has reported 31 deaths, while Moulvibazar and Habiganj have registered 10 and 6 deaths respectively.

Measles-Related Deaths by District

Health authorities stated that, since the beginning of the year, 72 people have died from suspected measles and a further eight deaths have been linked to laboratory-confirmed measles infections, bringing the overall death toll in Sylhet Division to 76.

Medical experts continue to stress the importance of timely vaccination, early diagnosis and rapid treatment of complications such as pneumonia, which remains one of the leading causes of severe illness and death among children affected by measles. The continued rise in hospital admissions has prompted health officials to maintain close surveillance of the outbreak and strengthen disease-control measures throughout the division.

Dr Mahbubul Alam reiterated that 69 new patients with suspected measles symptoms had been admitted to hospitals over the past day and warned that the situation remains a significant public health challenge. Authorities are continuing monitoring efforts while urging parents and guardians to seek immediate medical attention if children develop symptoms associated with measles.