Measles Symptoms Claim 7 More Lives in Bangladesh

Seven more people have died in Bangladesh in the past 24 hours after developing symptoms associated with measles, with five of the deaths reported in the Dhaka division, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The latest figures were released in the DGHS’s regular measles situation report on Monday (August 17).

According to the report, 1,031 new people developed measles-like symptoms over the past 24 hours, while 80 new cases of measles were confirmed during the same period.

Since March 15, a total of 816 people have died after developing measles-like symptoms, while another 99 people have died from laboratory-confirmed measles.

This brings the combined number of deaths associated with measles and its symptoms to 915 since the outbreak monitoring period began.

With the latest cases included, 17,930 people have been diagnosed with measles since March 15.

The number of people who have developed measles-like symptoms during the period has reached 143,778, including the 1,031 new cases reported in the latest 24-hour period.

DGHS data show that 125,386 people with measles-like symptoms have been admitted to hospitals since March 15.

Of them, 120,913 patients have recovered and been discharged, according to the latest health authority figures.

The continued rise in measles-related deaths and suspected cases highlights the need for timely diagnosis, treatment and strengthened public-health measures, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups.