Death toll crosses 1,200 in measles outbreak

More than 1,200 children have lost their lives, leaving behind countless stories of tragedy and loved ones scarred for life.

On Monday, the death toll from the measles outbreak in Bangladesh rose to 1,201.

In March this year, the country’s health authorities began to keep a tally of the number of fatalities and infections, and since then, the figures have climbed steadily.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), confirmed deaths from the highly contagious disease since 15 March have reached 104, while deaths with measles-like symptoms have soared to 1,097, bringing the combined toll to 1,201.

Read More

Four more die of dengue, 1,851 hospitalised in 24 hours

The DGHS recorded five more suspected deaths and 1,307 new suspected cases in the last 24 hours until 8am Monday.

However, 35 cases of measles were confirmed during the same period, with no confirmed deaths reported.

The DGHS said that since 15 March, the total number of confirmed measles cases has stood at 23,157, while suspected cases have reached 214,551.

Besides, a total of 183,042 patients have recovered so far, it added.

Measles spreads through coughs and sneezes, and has no specific treatment to cure it. Complications such as brain swelling and severe breathing difficulties can rapidly worsen a patient’s condition. Young children are particularly vulnerable to the disease although anyone can contract it.