DHAKA, May 25: Bangladesh recorded its deadliest surge in fatalities from measles, and measles-like illness, with 17 deaths reported in the past 24 hours, according to data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
As per health officials, one of the deaths was laboratory-confirmed measles, while the remaining 16 involved symptoms linked to the disease, reports Business Standard BD
The latest figures have pushed the nationwide death toll to 545, including 87 confirmed measles deaths, with another 458 suspected fatalities being due to symptoms consistent with measles.
As per DGHS data, more than 1,127 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals nationwide during the same reporting period, while 97 new infections were confirmed through laboratory testing.
Since March 15, Bangladesh has recorded a record 8,719 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, with nearly 64,940 suspected infections nationwide.
Officials said around 47,619 patients have so far recovered and been discharged from treatment facilities.
The outbreak has hit children particularly hard.
According to health authorities, roughly 83% of confirmed patients were either unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated, while children under five account for around 80% of all reported infections.
Hospitals across the country are now under severe strain, especially pediatric wards.
The Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka has reportedly experienced massive surges in child admissions compared to previous years.
The epidemic has now spread across 61 of Bangladesh’s 64 districts, with the worst-hit regions including Dhaka, Rajshahi and Chattogram divisions. (UNI)
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