Four More Children Die Of Measles Symptoms As Death Toll Reaches 844

Health authorities have reported four additional child fatalities linked to measles symptoms across the country over a 24-hour period ending at 8:00 am on Sunday. With these latest deaths, the cumulative mortality figure from confirmed measles cases and related symptoms has climbed to 844 over the past four and a half months.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) released the update in its latest official report on the nationwide measles situation on Sunday. According to the health bulletin, three of the latest fatalities were recorded in Dhaka, whilst the remaining death occurred in the Sylhet division.

Data compiled since 15 March reveals a stark picture of the public health challenge. Over this four-and-a-half-month period, 748 children have succumbed to symptoms resembling measles, while laboratory testing confirmed measles as the cause of death for another 96 children. Combined, these figures bring the total death toll to 844 children nationwide.

Daily hospital admissions and infection figures highlight ongoing transmission. Over the recent 24-hour reporting period, 1,022 children displayed symptoms associated with the disease, and 115 children were confirmed through diagnostic testing to have contracted measles. In total, 1,137 young patients were registered with symptoms or confirmed infections within a single day.

Since the surveillance began in mid-March, a aggregate of 130,083 children have presented with symptoms of the disease across healthcare centres nationwide. Laboratory testing has officially confirmed measles in 16,295 of those patients, bringing the overall tally of confirmed and symptomatic cases to 146,378.

Despite the high number of cases, medical facilities continue to manage recoveries. Over the recent 24 hours, 886 children recovered and were discharged from medical facilities. This brings the cumulative number of successful recoveries across the country to 108,283, as medical staff work to contain the ongoing outbreak and encourage timely medical intervention.