Two More Children Die With Suspected Measles Symptoms in Sylhet

Two more children have died in Sylhet over the past 24 hours while suffering from symptoms associated with measles, raising the number of deaths linked to the ongoing outbreak in the division to 127.

The deaths were confirmed by the divisional health authorities on Monday morning, 10 August. The two children, identified as Taspia and Hamidul, were both aged under 18 months. They died while receiving treatment at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital.

The latest deaths have added to growing concern among health officials as hospitals across Sylhet continue to receive children with suspected measles. A total of 309 patients with symptoms of the disease are currently undergoing treatment at different hospitals in the division.

Health authorities reported that 25 additional patients tested positive for measles through laboratory examinations during the past 24 hours. At the same time, 132 suspected patients were admitted to hospitals across the division, indicating that the number of people seeking medical attention remains high.

According to data from the Directorate General of Health Services, 852 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been recorded in Sylhet Division between 1 January and 10 August 2026. Of the 127 people who have died after developing symptoms associated with measles, laboratory confirmation has so far established measles infection in six cases. The remaining deaths involve suspected cases that have not been confirmed through laboratory testing.

The distinction between confirmed and suspected cases is significant because symptoms such as fever, rash, cough and other respiratory complications can occur in several illnesses. Laboratory testing is therefore used to establish whether measles was responsible for a patient’s illness or death.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can spread rapidly, particularly among children who have not received adequate vaccination. Young children can be especially vulnerable to severe complications, including pneumonia, dehydration and other serious infections.

The continuing admission of suspected patients and the rise in laboratory-confirmed cases underline the pressure being placed on healthcare facilities in the region. Health authorities are continuing to monitor suspected cases, conduct laboratory tests and track the outbreak as the situation develops.

The latest figures also highlight the importance of early detection and timely medical care for children showing symptoms consistent with measles, particularly during an active outbreak.