Bangladesh measles toll nears grim 1,000-child mark
More than 1,000 suspected cases are reported daily.
A devastating measles outbreak in Bangladesh is nearing the tragic milestone of 1,000 child deaths, with at least 986 children losing their lives since March. The country, home to 170 million people, has reported over 180,000 suspected and confirmed cases, according to the health ministry. Dhaka's Shishu Hospital, filled with struggling babies, recently admitted a ninth-month-old child whose death was witnessed by his mother, Rima Akter.
The highly contagious disease, with no specific treatment once caught, poses a severe threat, especially to young children. A mass vaccination drive is underway, but the outbreak continues to escalate, with most cases involving children aged six months to five years. Many admitted patients are already critically ill, suffering from complications such as brain swelling, severe breathing problems, and malnutrition.
Experts urge Bangladesh to consider a broader vaccination campaign and emphasize public awareness, preventive measures, and isolation of infected children to contain the epidemic.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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