Measles-linked deaths rise to 780

Bangladesh has reported another death linked to measles-like symptoms, taking the total number of deaths from confirmed measles and related symptoms to 780 since March 15, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The health authorities also confirmed 140 new measles cases in the 24 hours ending at 8:00am on Friday. In its daily bulletin, the DGHS said 95 people have died from laboratory-confirmed measles, while another 685 deaths were recorded among patients who developed symptoms associated with the viral disease.

Among deaths linked to measles-like symptoms, Dhaka Division recorded the highest number at 298, followed by Sylhet with 94.

The death toll from suspected measles symptoms stood at 89 in Rajshahi, 55 in Chattogram, 66 in Mymensingh, 43 in Barishal, 31 in Khulna and nine in Rangpur.

The DGHS said 873 people with measles-like symptoms sought treatment at hospitals across the country during the latest 24-hour period.

Of them, 781 patients were admitted to hospitals. Dhaka Division reported the highest number of new admissions with 269 patients, followed by Chattogram with 210. Barishal admitted 110 patients, while Sylhet recorded 66, Mymensingh 43, Khulna 38, Rajshahi 31 and Rangpur 14.