Child deaths mount as suspected measles cases near 36,000 mark

4,944 cases have been laboratory-confirmed since the outbreak began in mid-March

Bangladesh has recorded one more death of a child with measles-like symptoms in the last 24 hours, while 88 new cases of the viral infection were laboratory-confirmed across the country.

According to the regular bulletin issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Wednesday, the total number of confirmed measles deaths has reached 47 since Mar 15.

The number of people who died with measles symptoms during this period stands significantly higher at 227.

The DGHS data reveals that the Dhaka Division has been the hardest hit, recording 106 deaths with measles symptoms so far. The Rajshahi Division follows with 70 such deaths.

In the last 24 hours, 1,318 patients sought hospital care with symptoms, of whom 962 were admitted to various hospitals.

Hospitalisation rates remained highest in the capital, with 394 patients admitted to Dhaka hospitals in a single day.

In contrast, Rangpur reported the lowest number of admissions with only eight patients.

Since the outbreak began in mid-March, the total number of suspected measles cases in the country has climbed to 35,980.

Out of these, 4,944 cases have been laboratory-confirmed.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children and can lead to severe complications or death if not managed properly.

In response to the rising cases, the government launched a massive nationwide immunisation campaign on Apr 20, aiming to vaccinate 18 million children.

As of Wednesday, the DGHS reported that 10,921,561 children across eight divisions have received the vaccine under this programme.

Additionally, 1,424,261 children in 12 city corporation areas have been vaccinated so far.