Two more children displaying symptoms consistent with measles have died in Bangladesh’s Sylhet Division, pushing the total number of deaths linked to confirmed measles infections or suspected measles cases to 122, according to the latest update from the regional health authorities.
Mohammad Nure Alam Shamim, Assistant Director of the Sylhet Health Department, said the two children died at Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital between Thursday morning and Friday morning while undergoing treatment.
One of the deceased children was Yamin, aged one year and five months, the son of Nurul Amin from Sylhet Sadar Upazila. The other was eight-month-old Anisa, daughter of Abdul Munib from Bahubal Upazila in Habiganj District. Both children had been admitted to hospital with symptoms associated with measles. Despite receiving medical treatment, they could not be saved.
The latest situation report issued by the Sylhet Health Department indicates that the outbreak continues to place considerable pressure on healthcare facilities across the division. As of Friday morning, a total of 294 patients with suspected measles symptoms were receiving treatment at hospitals throughout Sylhet Division.
The report also revealed that 93 additional patients suspected of having measles were admitted to various hospitals during the previous 24 hours. The continued admission of new patients suggests that transmission remains an ongoing public health concern in the region.
Health officials reported that, among the 122 recorded deaths, only six patients had their measles infection confirmed through laboratory testing. The remaining 116 individuals died while exhibiting symptoms consistent with measles. The report does not specify whether laboratory confirmation was unavailable before their deaths or whether investigations are still pending.
Laboratory surveillance has identified a significant number of infections since the beginning of the year. According to the Health Department, 788 people across Sylhet Division have tested positive for measles between 1 January and Friday through laboratory examinations.
The latest figures highlight the continued impact of the outbreak on children, who remain the most vulnerable group to severe complications associated with measles. The disease is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads primarily through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, a runny nose, red eyes and a characteristic skin rash.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while hospitals across Sylhet provide treatment to patients presenting with suspected measles symptoms. The latest surveillance data indicate that both new infections and hospital admissions remain at levels that require sustained public health attention.
With confirmed infections continuing to rise and additional suspected cases being admitted to hospitals each day, the outbreak remains a significant healthcare challenge for Sylhet Division. Officials are maintaining surveillance and clinical management efforts as they respond to the evolving situation.
