4 More Children Die of Measles Symptoms in Sylhet
Photo: Agamir Somoy
The outbreak of measles is becoming increasingly alarming across Sylhet division. Over the last 24 hours, four more children have died from suspected measles. During the same period, 43 new suspected patients have been admitted to various hospitals.
Dr. Mohammad Nure Alam Shamim, Assistant Director of the Sylhet Divisional Health Directorate, confirmed the data on Saturday.
According to Health Department data, a total of 158 cases of measles and rubella have been laboratory-confirmed in the Sylhet division from January 1 to May 23 this year. Among them, 16 cases were detected in Habiganj (including two rubella cases), 16 in Moulvibazar, 84 in Sunamganj, and 42 in the Sylhet district. However, no new laboratory-confirmed cases were detected in the past 24 hours.
Currently, 295 suspected measles patients are admitted to various government and private hospitals across the division. The highest numbers are undergoing treatment at Sylhet Shahid Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital (89 patients) and Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital (58 patients).
Additionally, 55 patients are admitted to Sunamganj District Sadar Hospital, 19 to Habiganj District Sadar Hospital, and 18 to Moulvibazar District Sadar Hospital. Affected children are also receiving treatment at other upazila health complexes and private hospitals.
Of the four children who died in the last 24 hours, two were from Sylhet district, one from Moulvibazar, and one from Sunamganj. The report noted that all the deceased children were aged between six months and one year. They were undergoing treatment at Sylhet Shahid Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital and Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.
According to the Health Department's calculations, a total of 47 people have died from suspected measles in the Sylhet division so far. Among them, four deaths were confirmed as measles. In total, the number of measles-related deaths stands at 51.
Health experts emphasize that since measles is a highly contagious viral disease, it is crucial to bring children under the vaccination network swiftly and ensure isolated treatment for those infected. They have also urged parents to increase awareness and follow health guidelines properly.
