Two more children die of measles in Sylhet, 336 hospitalised

The measles outbreak in Sylhet division is worsening, with two more children dying from measles-like symptoms in the last 24 hours, according to a report published by the Office of the Sylhet Divisional Health Director on Saturday, May 16.

The new deaths have brought the total number of children who have died from suspected measles in Sylhet division this year to 34.

The deceased have been identified as Al Saif, the five-month-old son of Abul Kalam from Kulaura upazila in Moulvibazar, and Rafa Akter, the eight-month-old daughter of Abul Hossain from Chhatak upazila in Sunamganj. Both children died while undergoing treatment at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.

Meanwhile, 54 new patients with measles-like symptoms have been admitted to hospitals in the division in the last 24 hours. Currently, a total of 336 patients are undergoing treatment for suspected measles across various government and private hospitals in Sylhet.

Among them, the highest number of patients—123—are admitted to Shahid Shamsuddin Ahmad Hospital, while 74 patients are receiving treatment at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. The remaining patients are undergoing treatment at other hospitals across the division.

Health officials have expressed concern over the rising number of cases, noting that inadequate vaccination coverage and malnutrition have played major roles in worsening the outbreak.

The Sylhet division has been one of the worst-affected regions in the country's ongoing measles crisis. Across Bangladesh, the total death toll from confirmed and suspected measles has reached 451 since the outbreak intensified on March 15.