Measles cases top 100,000 in 95 days, 666 die

More than 100,000 children have been infected with measles across the country over the past 95 days, while 666 deaths linked to the disease have been reported, according to the latest data released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Thursday.

The DGHS said a total of 100,677 measles cases were recorded between March 15 and June 18. Of them, 10,773 cases were laboratory-confirmed, while 89,904 were classified as suspected infections.

During the same period, 92 children died from confirmed measles infections, while another 556 people died after exhibiting symptoms consistent with the disease.

According to the latest situation report, five more deaths associated with measles symptoms were reported in the past 24 hours, including two in Sylhet Division.

The country also recorded 1,148 new measles cases during the period.

Dhaka Division reported the highest number of infections and deaths. A total of 48,901 people were infected with measles in the division, while 297 deaths were recorded from confirmed infections and measles-related complications.

The figures cover the period from 8:00AM on March 15 to 8:00AM on June 18, the DGHS said.

TZ