8 more children die with measles symptoms, 1,320 infected in 24hrs

Eight more children have died with symptoms of measles across Bangladesh in the past 24 hours. During the same period, 1,320 children were diagnosed with measles or reported with measles-like symptoms, according to an updated report released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Wednesday afternoon (September 16).

The DGHS said none of the eight children who died with measles symptoms over the past day had been conclusively diagnosed with measles as the cause of death. During the same period, measles was newly confirmed in 81 children.

Another 1,239 children developed measles-like symptoms. Of them, 1,141 were admitted to hospitals in the past 24 hours, while 1,079 patients were discharged after receiving treatment.

According to DGHS figures, the number of deaths involving suspected measles or measles-like symptoms across the country has reached 944 since March 15 through Wednesday. In addition, 100 children have died after being confirmed to have measles. This brings the total number of deaths associated with confirmed measles and measles-like illnesses to 1,044.

During the period, the number of suspected measles cases in the country stood at 175,198. Of these, measles was confirmed in 20,282 children. A total of 154,420 patients have been admitted to hospitals.

Of those admitted, 148,465 have so far been discharged after receiving treatment and returned home.

The figures were released based on the DGHS’s regular updates on the country’s measles situation.