4 more die from measles-like symptoms in 24hrs

Four children died from measles and measles-like symptoms from 8am yesterday to 8am today (10 April), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

During the same period, 1,177 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the country, while 168 cases were laboratory-confirmed as measles.

So far this year, at least 23 children have died from confirmed measles infections in Bangladesh.

In addition to these confirmed fatalities, 144 children have died showing symptoms consistent with the disease.

DGHS data shows that between 15 March and 10 April, a total of 2,409 measles cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing.

According to the latest health bulletin, 13,497 suspected measles cases have been identified nationwide, of which 6,609 patients have already been discharged after receiving treatment.

Chattogram's situation worsens

In Chattogram, eight more children have been diagnosed with measles in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the district to 34.

During the same period, 15 more children were newly admitted to hospitals with symptoms of measles and pneumonia. Currently, a total of 83 children are undergoing treatment in the district.

District Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam said the newly admitted children are showing symptoms such as fever, breathing difficulties, and skin rashes – consistent with measles and pneumonia.

He added that the health department remains on alert to manage the situation.

"Samples from four children were sent to Dhaka for testing in the last 24 hours, all from the metropolitan area," he said.

So far, 305 samples have been sent for testing from Chattogram, including 190 from the city and 115 from upazilas.