Measles, symptom-related deaths cross 400

The number of deaths from measles and symptoms in the country has surpassed 400. According to the latest data from the Directorate General of Health Services, 65 people have died of confirmed measles and 344 more have died of suspected measles since March 15. The total death toll has reached 409.

This information was given in a press release sent from the Directorate General of Health Services' control room on Sunday (May 10).

The release said that in the last 24 hours, 4 people have died of measles and 7 more have died of suspected measles across the country. At the same time, 1,503 new suspected measles patients have been identified.

The Directorate General of Health Services said that the death statistics have been updated by coordinating the information of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Rangpur Medical College Hospital and Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barisal with the concerned Civil Surgeon's Office. As a result, the number of deaths due to suspected measles has increased significantly compared to the previous day.

According to the latest data, the total number of suspected measles patients in the country since March 15 has reached 49,159. Of these, 6,819 have been identified as confirmed measles patients.

However, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said that the number of confirmed measles patients has slightly decreased due to some corrections in Dinajpur district.

Meanwhile, 34,909 people have been admitted to hospitals with measles symptoms in the last two months. Of these, 30,862 have recovered and returned home.

Health experts say that the situation is becoming worrisome due to the lack of vaccination programs, lack of awareness and late treatment. They have emphasized on ensuring regular vaccination of children and bringing the affected people under prompt treatment.