The children, aged three months and 10 months, died while receiving treatment at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital over the past 24 hours. The Sylhet Divisional Health Directorate confirmed the deaths on Saturday, 24 October.
The latest fatalities have added to concerns over the spread of the disease, particularly among infants and young children, who are vulnerable to severe complications from measles.
A further 125 patients were admitted to hospitals across the division during the same 24-hour period. A total of 468 patients are now receiving treatment at hospitals in the region, according to the health authorities.
Of those currently hospitalised, 200 are being treated at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, while 168 are receiving care at Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital. The remaining patients are being treated at other hospitals across Sylhet Division.
The authorities also reported that 1,115 people had been directly diagnosed with measles in the division so far this year. The number of confirmed cases and the total number of deaths linked to measles or its symptoms represent separate measures of the outbreak and should not be treated as directly equivalent figures.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can spread rapidly among people who have not developed immunity, making vaccination coverage particularly important in preventing outbreaks.
The illness commonly begins with a fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. Although many patients recover, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and dehydration. Infants and young children are among those at greater risk of severe illness, particularly if they have not received the recommended vaccinations or have other vulnerabilities.
The deaths of the two infants underline the risks associated with the disease at a very young age. However, the information released by the divisional health authorities did not provide further details about the children’s medical histories or whether they had received measles vaccinations.
During an outbreak, early identification of suspected cases, timely medical assessment and appropriate treatment are important for reducing the risk of complications. Health facilities also need to monitor patients closely, particularly young children who develop severe symptoms.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent measles. Parents and caregivers should check whether children have received the recommended doses and seek advice from healthcare professionals if any vaccinations have been missed. Anyone who suspects that a child has measles should contact a healthcare provider for guidance rather than relying on self-diagnosis.
The rise in hospital admissions also places pressure on healthcare facilities, particularly hospitals treating large numbers of patients at the same time. Effective patient management, infection-control measures and clear communication with families are important to limit further transmission and ensure that those who need treatment receive it promptly.
With 468 patients currently receiving hospital care across Sylhet Division and 1,115 confirmed measles cases reported so far this year, the latest figures highlight the continuing public-health challenge facing the region. Further updates from the health authorities will be important for tracking the outbreak, understanding its changing scale and informing the response.
