4 more die of measles

Four more children have died with measles symptoms across Bangladesh in the past 24 hours, raising the total death toll from measles and suspected measles infections to 844 since March 15.

The figures were released in a statement issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Sunday.

According to the statement, three of the children died while undergoing treatment in Dhaka and one died in Sylhet.

Of the total fatalities recorded since March 15, 748 children died with measles symptoms, while 96 deaths were confirmed to have been caused by measles.

DGHS data showed that 1,022 children developed measles symptoms over the past 24 hours, while laboratory tests confirmed measles infection in 115 children. In total, 1,137 children were newly affected by measles or suspected measles during the period.

Over the past four and a half months, 130,083 children have developed measles symptoms, while 16,295 cases have been laboratory confirmed. Altogether, 146,378 children have been affected by confirmed or suspected measles since the outbreak began.

Meanwhile, 108,283 children have recovered and been discharged from hospitals during the same period, including 886 who were released over the past 24 hours.
A nationwide measles outbreak began on March 15, with the number of deaths linked to measles symptoms continuing to rise. The DGHS said it has taken various measures to contain the outbreak.