Measles toll rises to 251

At least 251 children have died from measles and measles-like symptoms in Bangladesh since 15 March, according to official data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The DGHS said 11 more children died in the 24 hours up to 8:00am on Saturday.

According to the health authority, the total deaths during the period include 209 “suspected” measles deaths alongside 42 confirmed deaths.

During the same timeframe, 229 confirmed measles cases and 1,058 suspected cases were reported across the country.

Health officials explained that “suspected” cases refer to deaths where measles symptoms were present but laboratory confirmation was not conducted.

The DGHS also said a total of 20,475 suspected patients have been hospitalised so far, of whom 17,081 have recovered.

Since 15 March, the DGHS has been recording and reporting measles-related fatalities under two categories: confirmed deaths from measles and suspected deaths showing measles-like symptoms without laboratory testing.

However, the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) said in a statement on Thursday that this reporting method has created confusion among the public. It added that suspected cases should also be counted as measles deaths.

If that classification is applied, the total number of child deaths since 15 March would rise to 251.