Two more children die with measles symptoms in Faridpur

Child deaths with symptoms rise to 20 at Faridpur hospital

Faridpur Medical College Hospital has reported two more deaths of children with measles symptoms, raising the toll at the facility to 20.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has meanwhile raised concern after 54 new patients were admitted within 24 hours from Monday morning.

Faridpur Civil Surgeon Dr Mahmudul Hasan confirmed the latest figures on Tuesday.

Officials said 190 patients are currently receiving treatment in government hospitals.

Among the latest deaths was a 7-month-old identified only as Ayan from Chandipardi in Muksudpur Upazila of Gopalganj, who was admitted to FMCH on Monday.

The other was a 2-year-old identified only as Adiba from Laxmipur in Faridpur Sadar Upazila.

Dr Hasan said measles cases had risen in part due to people returning to villages during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, but expressed hope the situation would ease within one to two weeks.

“Parents should seek medical advice immediately if a child shows measles symptoms,” he said, adding that early hospitalisation may be necessary.

He said vaccination drives and awareness campaigns were being strengthened, with special focus on timely administration of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine.