Four more suspected measles deaths in a day

Four more people have died with measles symptoms in Bangladesh, while 21 other cases have been confirmed across the country, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The latest deaths take the total toll taken involving suspected measles symptoms this year to 1,012.

Confirmed measles deaths stand at 102, bringing the combined total to 1,114.

Dhaka Division has recorded the highest number of deaths involving suspected measles, at 455, followed by Sylhet with 179.

Rajshahi has reported 93 deaths, Chattogram 86, Mymensingh 80, Barishal 60, Khulna 44 and Rangpur 15.

Of the 1,221 patients who sought hospital care over the 24-hour period ending at 8am on Thursday, 1,144 were admitted.

Dhaka Division also recorded the highest number of new admissions at 377, followed by Chattogram with 261, Sylhet 143, Barishal 139, Khulna 113, Mymensingh 63, Rajshahi 24 and Rangpur 24.

According to the health directorate, total hospital admissions linked to measles and suspected measles cases have reached 172,021. Of those patients, 166,933 have recovered and returned home.

The number of patients reported with suspected measles symptoms has reached 194,084, while measles has been confirmed in 21,623 cases.

The DGHS has been recording data on measles and suspected cases and deaths since Mar 15.

However, not all patients who seek treatment at hospitals, or those who remain outside the hospital system, are tested for measles. As a result, the actual number of confirmed cases is not known, with the recorded figures covering patients who have sought or received hospital care.