Measles outbreak: 6 more children die, 1,517 infected in 24hrs

Six more children died from measles and related symptoms across the country in the 24 hours ending Sunday morning, according to the latest report from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Among the deceased, one was a laboratory-confirmed measles patient, while five others died with symptoms associated with the viral infection.

The DGHS reported that the latest deaths have pushed the total number of child fatalities from measles and related symptoms to 459 over the past two months.

Of the total deaths, 75 children were confirmed measles cases, while 384 others died after showing measles-like symptoms.

The report also recorded a sharp rise in infections, with 1,517 new children affected by measles and related symptoms during the last 24 hours.

Since the outbreak intensified, 7,767 children have been officially confirmed with measles through laboratory testing, while 57,846 others have sought hospital treatment with measles symptoms.

According to DGHS data, Dhaka division remains the worst-affected region in both infections and deaths.

A total of 200 children have died from measles and related symptoms in the division so far, while 31,565 children have been infected.

AM