Two more suspected measles deaths as hospitalisations cross 170,000 in Bangladesh

Another two people have died with measles symptoms and 1,132 patients have sought hospital care over the past 24 hours, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The latest deaths, one each in Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, have taken the number of deaths involving suspected measles symptoms this year to 1,009.

Confirmed measles deaths stand at 101, bringing the combined total to 1,110.

Dhaka Division has recorded the highest number of deaths involving suspected measles, at 452, followed by Sylhet with 179.

Rajshahi has reported 93 deaths, Chattogram 86, Mymensingh 80, Barishal 60, Khulna 44 and Rangpur 15.

Of the 1,132 patients who sought hospital care over the 24-hour period ending at 8am on Thursday, 1,077 were admitted.

Dhaka Division also recorded the highest number of new admissions at 365, followed by Chattogram with 242, Sylhet 120, Barishal 116, Khulna 103, Mymensingh 78, Rajshahi 31 and Rangpur 22.

According to the health directorate, total hospital admissions linked to measles and suspected measles cases have reached 170,877. Of those patients, 163,973 have recovered and returned home.

The number of patients reported with suspected measles symptoms has reached 192,863, while measles has been confirmed in 21,602 cases.

The DGHS has been recording data on measles and suspected cases and deaths since Mar 15.

However, not all patients who seek treatment at hospitals, or those who remain outside the hospital system, are tested for measles. As a result, the actual number of confirmed cases is not known, with the recorded figures covering patients who have sought or received hospital care.