5 more children die from measles, measles-like symptoms in 24hrs; toll rises to 233

Five children died from measles and measles-like symptoms between 8am yesterday and 8am today (23 April), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

During the same 24-hour period, 1,170 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals nationwide. Of these, 125 cases were laboratory-confirmed as measles.

Amid rising infections and pressure on healthcare facilities, the DGHS has issued a strict directive instructing hospitals not to refuse measles patients on the grounds of a lack of beds.

Dr Abu Hussain Md Moinul Ahsan, director (hospitals and clinics) of DGHS, issued the directive on Tuesday (21 April).

He said no hospital will be allowed to refer patients suffering from measles or measles-like symptoms to other facilities on the grounds of bed shortages.

"Instead, hospitals must arrange additional beds if needed," Moinul added, emphasising that treatment must be ensured at the admitting facility.

According to the directive, patient referrals will only be permitted in cases requiring advanced medical care, following a structured referral pathway from upazila to district hospitals, then to medical college and specialised hospitals.

Any violation of the directive will result in accountability for the head of the concerned hospital, the DGHS warned.

So far this year, at least 39 children have died from confirmed measles infections in Bangladesh.

In addition, 194 children have died with symptoms consistent with measles.

DGHS data show that between 15 March and 23 April, a total of 4,059 measles cases were confirmed through laboratory testing.

According to the latest health bulletin, 28,334 suspected measles cases have been identified nationwide.

Of these, 15,728 patients have already been discharged after receiving treatment.