Bangladesh measles deaths top 200 as eight more die in 24 hours

Bangladesh has recorded eight more deaths linked to measles in the last 24 hours, as the viral outbreak continues to spread across the country.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), two patients died from confirmed measles, while six others died showing symptoms of the disease.

With the latest figures, the death toll since Mar 15 has reached 34 from confirmed infections and 172 from suspected symptoms.

The daily bulletin released on Thursday morning revealed that 1,191 people sought treatment for measles symptoms in a single day.

Lab tests confirmed 92 new cases during this period.

Cumulative data since the start of the outbreak paints a grim picture.

A total of 20,352 people with symptoms have sought medical care, while 3,065 cases have been confirmed through laboratory tests.

Overall, 13,129 patients were hospitalised with symptoms, of whom 10,496 have since been discharged after recovery.

Dhaka officially remains the worst-affected region.

In the last 24 hours, the division recorded 496 symptomatic cases and 78 confirmed infections -- the highest in the country.

Both confirmed deaths reported on Thursday were from Dhaka.

Of the six suspected deaths, two were reported in Dhaka, two in Sylhet, one in Rajshahi and one in Chattogram.

Since mid-March, Dhaka Division has recorded the highest number of suspected deaths at 78, followed by Rajshahi with 65.

In response to the escalating crisis, the health ministry has identified "hotspots" and launched an emergency vaccination campaign.

So far, 1,131,128 people have been vaccinated across six divisions.

Additionally, 309,448 individuals have received shots in the two Dhaka city corporations, as well as the Barishal and Mymensingh city corporations.