2 children die of measles symptoms in Khulna

The measles outbreak continues to take a toll in Khulna division, with two more children dying of measles-like symptoms in the last 24 hours. During the same period, 61 new patients were admitted to various hospitals across the division.

Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman, Acting Director of the Khulna Divisional Health Director's Office, confirmed the figures on Saturday afternoon. 

According to official data, the latest fatalities were reported in Jhenaidah and Meherpur districts.

Health officials revealed that between March 15 and Saturday (May 9) noon, a total of 3,051 children with measles symptoms have been hospitalized across the ten districts of the division.

Among them, 113 cases have been laboratory-confirmed. The total death toll in the division during this period has reached 19.

The situation remains most critical in Kushtia district, which has recorded the highest number of hospitalizations at 1,126. Other affected districts include Jessore with 384 cases, Magura with 372, Khulna with 372, Meherpur with 176, Satkhira with 127, Jhenaidah with 183, Narail with 136, Chuadanga with 90 and Bagerhat with 88.

Of the 61 new admissions recorded in the last 24 hours, Kushtia reported 28 cases, Khulna 15, Magura 8, Meherpur 7, and Chuadanga 3.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the nationwide death toll from measles and related symptoms has surpassed 350 since mid-March, as hospitals struggle to accommodate the influx of young patients amid a major immunization gap.