Bangladesh reports 7 more deaths as measles infections hit daily high of 642 in a week

Death toll rises to 166 including suspected cases, with Dhaka and Rajshahi worst hit

Seven more people have died in the past 24 hours after contracting measles or showing its symptoms, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.

Of them, one died from confirmed measles infection, while six others died with symptoms of the disease, the health directorate said in its bulletin on Thursday.

With the latest figures, the total number of deaths from measles since Mar 15 has risen to 23, while 143 people have died with symptoms during the same period.

Among confirmed measles deaths, the highest number -- 10 -- was reported in Dhaka, followed by five in Barishal.

Three deaths each were recorded in Chattogram and Rajshahi, while two occurred in hospitals in Mymensingh.

In terms of deaths with symptoms, Rajshahi Division recorded the highest at 64, followed by Dhaka with 58.

The bulletin also said 642 new measles infections were recorded in the past 24 hours, marking the highest single-day count in a week.

During the same period, 1,187 people sought hospital care with measles symptoms, of whom 674 were admitted.

Dhaka hospitals recorded the highest number of admissions in a day at 261, while the lowest -- 126 -- was reported in Mymensingh.

Since Mar 15, a total of 8,251 people have been hospitalised with measles symptoms, of whom 5,801 have been discharged after receiving treatment.