Bangladesh reports four more deaths from suspected measles

The nationwide toll rises to 167

Another four people have died over the last 24 hours with measles symptoms, taking the countrywide toll to 167 since Mar 15.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed the deaths in its daily count until 8am on Friday.

Over the period, another 1,177 patients have sought treatment with measles symptoms, with 168 diagnosed with the viral disease.

Of the total deaths, 23 were laboratory-confirmed cases, while the remaining 144 were linked to symptoms.

In the past 24 hours, 168 people tested positive for measles.

Since mid-March, 13,497 people have sought treatment for measles-like symptoms across the country.

Of them, 2,409 patients contracted the highly contagious virus.

Hospitals across the country registered 8,910 admissions of suspected cases and discharged 6,609 patients over the period.

In the last 24 hours, Dhaka Division witnessed the highest number of suspected cases at 462, followed by 230 in Rajshahi Division.

Dhaka Division also topped the list of patients diagnosed with measles, with the number hitting 140.

Of the latest deaths, two each were reported in Dhaka and Khulna divisions.

Since Mar 15, Rajshahi has reported the highest number of deaths due to the symptoms, totaling 62 -- three more than the toll in Dhaka Division, which ranks second.

Amid the measles outbreak, the government initiated an emergency vaccination drive in 30 Upazilas on Apr 5.

The campaign will expand to two high-risk city corporations and as many districts on Apr 12, followed by a special vaccination programme in the rest of the country starting May 3.