Eight more die with measles symptoms

Eight more people died with measles-like symptoms in Bangladesh in the 24 hours to Saturday morning, taking the total deaths from confirmed measles and suspected cases to 1,122 since March 15, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

All eight deaths were reported in Dhaka division. No deaths from laboratory-confirmed measles were recorded during the period, the DGHS said in its regular report on Saturday.

Of the total 1,122 deaths, 1,020 involved people with measles-like symptoms, while 102 were confirmed measles deaths.

The health authorities also reported 1,109 new cases with measles-like symptoms and 43 newly confirmed measles infections in the 24 hours.

Since March 15, the number of suspected cases has reached 195,197, while confirmed infections have risen to 21,666.

During the same period, 173,024 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals, of whom 167,756 recovered and were discharged.

Health experts say measles can affect people of any age, although children are particularly vulnerable.