The number of children infected with measles is increasing at an alarming rate across the country. Amid this surge in infections, the Department of Health has reported the deaths of 11 more children due to measles and measles symptoms in the last 24 hours. Of these, 4 children died due to measles and 7 more children died with measles symptoms.
This information was given in a press release sent from the control room of the Directorate General of Health Services on Sunday. Health officials say that the spread of the infectious disease among children has reached an alarming level in recent times. The number of infected people is increasing rapidly, especially in less vaccinated and risky areas.
According to the Department of Health, 205 new cases of measles have been detected in the country in the last 24 hours. At the same time, 1,278 children have been admitted to various hospitals in the country with measles symptoms. In addition, a total of 1,503 children have shown symptoms.
Since March 15 this year, a total of 344 children have died of measles symptoms. Of these, 65 children have died after testing positive for measles. At the same time, a total of 49,159 children across the country have been diagnosed with measles symptoms. Of these, 34,909 children have had to be admitted to hospitals. The Department of Health said that measles has been detected in the bodies of 6,819 of the admitted patients.
Of the four children who died in the last 24 hours, three are from Dhaka division and one is from Barisal division. In addition, three more children died with measles symptoms in Dhaka division. Two children each died in Chittagong and Sylhet divisions.
The Department of Health said that of the children admitted to hospitals in the last 24 hours, 496 were from Dhaka division. At the same time, 1,116 children were discharged from hospitals after treatment. Of these, 443 are from Dhaka division.
Public health experts say that although measles is a highly contagious viral disease, it can be prevented through timely vaccination. They emphasize the importance of bringing children under regular vaccination programs as well as ensuring prompt treatment of infected children.
The Department of Health has urged parents to contact the nearest health center immediately if their children develop symptoms such as fever, red rash, cough, red eyes, or difficulty breathing.