Two infant deaths push Mymensingh measles toll to 31

Hospital says 96 children remain admitted in the isolation ward

Measles-like symptoms have claimed the lives of two more children at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH).

Senior Store Officer Dr Jhontu Sarkar confirmed the infants, aged three and 10 months, passed away in the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday morning.

One of the children was from Ishwarganj in Mymensingh, while the other was from Jamalpur.

The 3-month-old from Jamalpur was hospitalised with symptoms on Monday and died on Tuesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the 10-month-old from Ishwarganj had been receiving care since May 5 before breathing their last in the early hours of Wednesday.

Hospital records show that 1,293 patients were admitted with measles or related symptoms between Mar 17 and May 13.

While 1,166 people recovered and returned home, the total number of fatalities for this period has reached 31.

Currently, 96 children are being treated in the hospital's measles isolation ward.

Dr Jhontu explained that the prevalence of the disease should subside once the impact of vaccinations takes hold.

He said because the illness is so contagious, children are particularly vulnerable, and stressed that increased awareness from parents can help keep them safe.