Measles crisis: 1 more child dies in Barishal, 129 newly admitted

A total of 129 new patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the Barishal division in the past 24 hours, while a one-and-a-half-month-old child named Ayesha died.

With this, the total infections rose to 1,541 and deaths to 18 in the division, confirmed the Barishal Divisional Health Director's office. 

Among the new patients, 30 were admitted to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital and 10 in the Barishal City Corporation area. Patuakhali district saw 18 new cases, Bhola 11, Pirojpur 11 and Barguna 33, while Jhalakathi reported zero cases in the last 24 hours.

So far, the highest number of deaths, nine children, were recorded at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. Meanwhile, two children were residents of the Barishal district, three from Barguna, two from Jhalakathi and two from Bhola. 

The health department said 1,008 people have recovered after treatment. 

Divisional health director Dr Shyamal Krishna Mandal said, "Instructions have been given to provide treatment with the highest priority to measles patients. We are monitoring different areas daily."

"There is no shortage of measles vaccines in the Barishal division. Vaccines are also being provided through campaigns. Still, hospitals are struggling due to the heavy influx of patients," he added.