Two more children die from measles

Six more children died from measles and measles-like symptoms in the 24 hours leading up to 8:00am yesterday, taking the total number of confirmed and suspected measles deaths to 317.

Of the six, two patients had tested positive for measles, while four died with symptoms, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The two confirmed deaths were reported from the Dhaka division, raising the total death toll to 54.

Four more suspected measles deaths were reported during the same period, bringing the total number of suspected deaths to 263.

Of these deaths, two were reported from the Sylhet division, while one each was reported from the Khulna and Rajshahi divisions.

During the same period, 259 new confirmed cases were reported, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 5,726.

Besides, the DGHS recorded 1,186 new suspected cases in 24 hours, bringing the total number of suspected cases to 42,979.

On Monday morning, the country logged its highest single-day death toll from measles and measles-like symptoms, with 17 child deaths reported in the preceeding 24 hours.

So far, 89 percent of targeted children have been vaccinated as a nationwide measles‑rubella campaign continues.

After 30 upazilas and four city corporations emerged as high‑burden areas for the highly contagious disease, the health department launched the nationwide special drive on April 20.

A total of 1.80 crore children aged between six months and under five years were targeted, and by May 4, 1.61 crore had been vaccinated.