Measles outbreak: Death toll crosses 600 as 7 more children pass away
So far this year, at least 90 children have died from confirmed measles infections, while another 511 children have died with symptoms consistent with the disease.
The death toll from measles and measles-like symptoms in Bangladesh has risen to 601, following seven more child deaths in the 24 hours up to 8am today (3 June), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
During the same period, 1,210 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals nationwide, the DGHS said in its latest health bulletin. Of them, 55 cases were confirmed as measles through laboratory testing.
So far this year, at least 90 children have died from confirmed Measles infections, while another 511 deaths were reported among children showing measles-like symptoms.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Public health expert M Mushtuq Husain said reliance on conventional hospital-based treatment is failing to reduce fatalities.
"Deaths will not decline if treatment continues to rely heavily on ICU care," he said. "To reduce fatalities, patients must be isolated early, receive oxygen support at the moderate stage, and be ensured proper nutrition."
He also raised concerns over the continued spread despite two months of vaccination efforts, noting that infection trends have not yet shown a sustained decline.
"By now, infection rates should have begun to fall, but the situation requires closer monitoring. Most of those who visited health centres have already been vaccinated; however, a micro-planning approach is now needed to reach households and ensure vaccination of those who were previously missed," he added.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain, at a press conference today, said the situation is beginning to stabilise.
"Infections are no longer rising and appear to have stabilised," he said, adding that children vaccinated between 15 and 20 May are expected to develop antibodies by mid-June, after which a sharper decline in cases is anticipated.
DGHS data further shows that 9,191 cases have been laboratory-confirmed between 15 March and 3 June. In total, 74,572 suspected cases have been identified across the country during the outbreak, while 55,942 patients have recovered and been discharged after treatment.
