Three more children have died in Bangladesh after developing symptoms associated with measles, taking the total number of deaths linked to confirmed measles infections and suspected measles cases to 1,012.
Of the total deaths recorded so far, 100 were among patients whose measles infections were confirmed, while 912 deaths involved patients who had symptoms consistent with the disease. The latest figures were released on Friday (11 September) by the Health Emergency Operation Centre and Control Room of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
According to the health authorities, the three latest deaths occurred during the 24-hour period from 8am on Thursday to 8am on Friday. One death was reported in the Dhaka Division and two in the Chattogram Division.
During the same period, 34 new measles cases were confirmed across the country. The figures indicate that transmission and suspected cases continue to place pressure on the health system, with a large number of patients requiring assessment and treatment at hospitals.
Dhaka Division has recorded the highest number of confirmed measles deaths. A total of 63 people have died after being diagnosed with measles in the division. Barishal Division follows with 19 confirmed measles-related deaths.
The distribution of deaths among people who died after developing measles symptoms is considerably wider. Dhaka Division has reported the highest number, with 408 such deaths. Sylhet Division is next, with 157 deaths. Rajshahi has recorded 93, Mymensingh 77, Chattogram 68, Barishal 57, Khulna 38 and Rangpur 14.
Hospital admissions have also remained high. A total of 866 people with symptoms of measles were admitted to hospitals across Bangladesh during the latest 24-hour reporting period. This has taken the cumulative number of hospital admissions associated with measles and suspected measles cases to 149,471.
Of those admitted, 143,864 patients have already been discharged from hospitals after receiving treatment. The figures show the scale of the demand placed on healthcare facilities as suspected and confirmed measles cases continue to be monitored.
According to the DGHS, the country has so far recorded 169,822 suspected measles patients. Of these, 19,967 cases have been confirmed as measles.
The distinction between confirmed measles deaths and deaths among patients with measles-like symptoms is reflected in the official reporting. While 100 deaths have been attributed to confirmed measles cases, the number of deaths among patients presenting with symptoms is substantially higher at 912.
The latest figures provide an updated picture of the situation as health authorities continue monitoring infections, hospital admissions and deaths across the country’s divisions. The continued reporting of new cases and hospitalisations also highlights the need for close surveillance of patients presenting with measles symptoms, particularly as hospitals deal with a substantial number of suspected cases.
