6-month-old child dies of measles symptoms in Mymensingh

The latest fatality pushes the death toll to 45

Another infant has died from measles symptoms at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), raising the total death toll from the disease or its symptoms at the facility to 45.

The six-month-old child, who was undergoing treatment, passed away on Tuesday morning, Senior Store Officer Dr Jhontu Sarkar said on Wednesday.

The infant, a resident of Barhatta Upazila in Netrokona District, was admitted to the hospital with measles symptoms on May 26.

In the 24-hour period leading up to Wednesday morning, 29 children were admitted with measles symptoms while 30 recovered and returned home, Dr Jhontu said.

A total of 105 patients are currently receiving treatment in the measles isolation ward.

Since Mar 17, a total of 1,827 children with measles symptoms have been admitted to the hospital. Of them, 1,677 have recovered and been discharged.

Md Golam Mawla, focal person of the measles isolation ward and an associate professor, said many parents remain unaware of the risks posed by the disease.

He said children suffering from fever, cold symptoms, sneezing or coughing are often treated at home without medical advice, leaving them physically weakened.

He urged parents to seek professional medical care as soon as a child falls ill.