Measles-related death toll rises in Faridpur, Barishal as infections continue to surge
Health officials urged parents to vaccinate children and seek medical care if symptoms appear
The measles situation continues to worsen in both Faridpur and Barishal, with authorities reporting fresh child deaths and a growing number of infections in hospitals across the two divisions.
In Faridpur, another child undergoing treatment for measles at Faridpur Medical College Hospital died last night (25 May), raising the total number of measles-related deaths at the hospital to 14.
The deceased, six-month-old Jannati, hailed from Kabirajpur village in Rajair upazila of Madaripur. Her father was identified as Nurul Haque.
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Faridpur Civil Surgeon Dr Mahmudul Hasan said the outbreak has intensified in the area, prompting authorities to strengthen treatment facilities at hospitals.
He said that a total of 136 patients are currently admitted to Faridpur General Hospital and Faridpur Medical College Hospital.
"Over the past 24 hours, 16 patients were admitted to Faridpur General Hospital, while 22 children were admitted to Faridpur Medical College Hospital," he added.
So far, some 1,617 patients have recovered from the two hospitals, according to the report.
In Barishal
Meanwhile, in Barishal, another child suffering from measles-like symptoms died at the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in the past 24 hours, taking the death toll in the division to 47.
The deceased, six-month-old Yasin, was from Mehendiganj in Barishal.
According to the Barishal Divisional Health Director's Office, some 157 patients with measles symptoms were admitted to government hospitals across the division between 8am yesterday and 8am today (26 May), raising the total number of identified infections to 6,954.
Among the newly admitted patients, 53 were admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital and 23 to Barishal General Hospital.
The remaining patients were admitted to hospitals in different districts, including Patuakhali, Bhola, Pirojpur, Barguna and Jhalakathi.
So far, some 5,979 patients in the division have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.
Head of the paediatrics department at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Dr Bikash Chandra Nag, said the number of patients has increased significantly in recent days, with even newborns being infected.
Divisional Health Director (acting) Dr Mohammad Lokman Hakim said the measles vaccination campaign is ongoing and authorities are continuing efforts to manage the outbreak.
Health officials in both regions urged parents to ensure regular vaccination of children and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, rashes, cough and cold appear.
