11 more children die of measles, similar symptoms in 24 hrs: DGHS

Dead body.

Dhaka, Apr 25 - At least 251 children have died from measles and measles-like symptoms in Bangladesh since March 15, according to official data.

Eleven more children died in the 24 hours until 8:00am Saturday, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said.

The DGHS is reporting 209 suspected deaths from measles alongside 42 confirmed during the period.

During the same period, 229 confirmed measles cases and 1,058 suspected cases were reported across the country.

Health officials said the 'suspected' cases lack a lab-tested confirmation. 

The DGHS said a total of 20,475 suspected patients have so far been hospitalised. Of them, 17,081 have recovered.

Starting from March 15, DGHS has recorded and notified fatalities related to measles under two categories: confirmed deaths from measles, and suspected deaths from measles, measles symptoms were present but the patient wasn't tested in the lab.

On Thursday, the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) said in a statement that this reporting method is giving rise to confusion among the public, and added that the 'suspected' cases must be counted as deaths from measles.

If that directive is to be followed, 251 children have died since March 15 of measles. - UNB