2 more die with measles symptoms

Two more have died with measles symptoms across Bangladesh in the past 24 hours, raising the total death toll from measles and suspected measles infections to 1,048 since March 15.

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

According to the statement, one each of the died undergoing treatment in Dhaka and Chattogram division. 

Of the total fatalities recorded since March 15, 948 died with measles symptoms, while 100 deaths were confirmed to have been caused by measles. 

DGHS data showed that 1,245 developed measles symptoms over the past 24 hours, while laboratory tests confirmed measles infection in 52. In total, 1,297 were newly affected by measles or suspected measles during the period.

Over the past six months, 177,725 have developed measles symptoms, while 20,395 cases have been laboratory confirmed. Altogether, 198,120 have been affected by confirmed or suspected measles since the outbreak began. Meanwhile, 156,718 have admitted to the hospital since March 15, while 150,633 have recovered and been discharged from hospitals during the same period.

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.