2 children die with measles symptoms in Barishal as infections near 6,000

Two more children have died with measles symptoms at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll in Bangladesh’s Barishal division to 37.

One of the deceased was a seven-month-old infant, while the other was aged two years and three months.

The information was confirmed by the Barishal Divisional Health Directorate today (19 May).

According to health officials, 147 patients with measles symptoms were admitted to government hospitals across the division between 8am Monday and 8am Tuesday. With the latest figures, the total number of infections has risen to 5,950.

Among them, 5,026 patients have already been discharged after treatment.

Of the newly admitted patients, 53 were admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, 21 to Barishal General Hospital and six to other government hospitals in Barishal district.

In other districts, 34 patients were admitted in Patuakhali, two in Bhola, 12 in Pirojpur, seven in Barguna and 13 in Jhalakathi.

So far, the highest number of deaths — 24 children — has been recorded at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. 6 deaths were reported in Bhola, 5 in Barguna and 2 in Jhalakathi.

Acting Director of the Divisional Health Directorate Dr Mohammad Lokman Hakim said, “The measles outbreak has somewhat declined. As the vaccination programme continues, its benefits are beginning to show. We hope the number of infections will gradually fall to zero.”