Seven Children Die from Measles and Related Symptoms

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has reported that seven children died from measles and measles-related symptoms across the country within a 24-hour period. According to the latest report released on Monday, 13 April, the DGHS officially confirmed measles as the cause of death for two of these children, while the remaining five succumbed to symptoms associated with the disease.

The reporting period spanned from 8:00 am on 12 April to 8:00 am on 13 April. During this window, 82 new cases of measles were laboratory-confirmed, and 729 children were admitted to various hospitals nationwide exhibiting symptoms of the virus.

Regional Breakdown of Fatalities and Infections

Data provided by health authorities indicates that the capital’s division remains the most affected area. Both of the confirmed measles deaths occurred in the Dhaka division. Of the five children who died with symptoms, four were from the Dhaka division and one was from the Rajshahi division.

In terms of new infections, Dhaka division recorded the highest number of confirmed cases with 76. Rajshahi division followed with four confirmed cases, while Chattogram reported two. No confirmed cases were identified in the remaining divisions during this specific 24-hour interval.

Furthermore, the DGHS noted that 1,371 individuals across the country displayed symptoms of measles within the last day. Out of these, 615 were reported in the Dhaka division. Of the 729 symptomatic children admitted to hospitals, 274 were in Dhaka. The lowest admission rates were recorded in Rangpur and Mymensingh, with 11 and 17 patients respectively.

Hospital Discharges and Recoveries

While the number of admissions remains high, 713 patients were discharged from hospitals after showing signs of recovery within the same 24-hour period. The highest number of discharges was seen in Dhaka (305), followed by Chattogram and Khulna with 103 each, and Rajshahi with 12.

Cumulative Statistics Since mid-March

The following table outlines the total impact of the measles outbreak from 15 March to 13 April:

Public Health Context

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children. It is characterised by high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive skin rash. According to medical standards, the primary method of prevention is the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine. The DGHS continues to monitor the situation as hospitalisations remain frequent, particularly in the central regions of the country. Health officials emphasize that while 8,369 patients have successfully returned home since mid-March, the combined death toll of 186 children (confirmed and symptomatic) highlights the severity of the current surge.