Measles claims lives of 5 more children in Sylhet

At least five children have died in the Sylhet division in the past 24 hours while undergoing treatment with measles-like symptoms, health authorities said on Friday (May 22).

With the latest fatalities, the total number of deaths linked to measles and suspected measles cases in the division has reached 47, according to the Office of the Divisional Director of Health in Sylhet.

The deceased include one child from Sylhet, three from Sunamganj, and one from Habiganj.

The victims are identified as: Raysa, 5 months, daughter of Abdul Malik from Nabiganj in Habiganj; Ali Afsan, 6, son of Ishaq Ali from Chatak in Sunamganj; Muslima, 10 months, daughter of Musaddiq Mia from Dirai; Shamima, 4 years 2 months, from Sylhet Sadar; and Rashed Ahmed, 1 year 2 months, son of Bahram Ahmed from Sylhet Sadar.

Hospital sources said two children died at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, two at Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital, and one at Sunamganj Sadar Hospital.

In the same 24-hour period, 74 new patients were admitted to hospitals with similar symptoms. The highest number—32 patients—were admitted to Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital in Sylhet.

Health officials said 283 patients are currently receiving treatment in different government and private hospitals across the division. Of them, 80 are at Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital, 59 at Osmani Medical College Hospital, 55 at Sunamganj District Hospital, 14 at Moulvibazar District Hospital, and 19 at Habiganj District Hospital, while the rest are being treated in private facilities.

Authorities said surveillance and response measures have been intensified as health facilities struggle with the rising caseload.