Three More Children Die With Measles Symptoms in 24 Hours, 786 New Cases Reported

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

The measles outbreak in Bangladesh remains at an alarming level. In the past 24 hours, three more children have died with symptoms of measles, while 786 new children have been reported infected with measles or showing related symptoms, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The information was revealed in the latest regular update report released by the DGHS on Saturday.

According to the report, between 8am Friday and 8am Saturday, three children died with suspected measles symptoms. However, no deaths from laboratory-confirmed measles were recorded during the same period.

Since March 15 this year, the number of deaths involving suspected measles symptoms across the country has risen to 660. In addition, 93 deaths have been confirmed through tests as measles-related fatalities. Altogether, the total number of measles-associated deaths during this period stands at 753.

Meanwhile, 786 new children were identified with measles or suspected measles symptoms in the last 24 hours. The continued rise in infections has increased concerns among public health experts.

The Directorate General of Health Services has advised parents to ensure that children receive measles-rubella (MR) vaccines according to the recommended schedule. Parents have also been urged to take children to nearby health facilities immediately if symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, cough, runny nose or red eyes appear.

Public health experts say timely vaccination, early detection and proper medical treatment can significantly reduce the risk of measles transmission and deaths.