Faridpur, May 29: Two children undergoing treatment at Faridpur Medical College Hospital have died with symptoms of measles in the past 24 hours, health officials said on Friday.
The deaths occurred between 8:00am on Thursday and 8:00am on Friday.
The deceased were identified as nine-month-old Ayan, son of Rezaul Hossain from Matipara area of Rajbari Sadar upazila, and three-month-old Abdullah, son of Mohammad Kamrul Islam from Harukandi area of Faridpur Sadar upazila.
Faridpur Civil Surgeon Mahmudul said that 30 more children had been admitted to different government hospitals in the district with measles-like symptoms during the same period, while 33 children were discharged after recovery.
He said treatment and monitoring measures had been strengthened at hospitals to prevent the spread of the disease.
“We are advising guardians not to panic and to take children to hospital immediately if symptoms appear,” he said, adding that parents should seek medical attention without delay and ensure that all children are brought under the national vaccination programme.
Child specialist Abdullah His Sayad said many children infected with measles were arriving at hospitals with fever, reddish skin rashes, breathing difficulties and weakness.
“In many cases, complications are increasing because children are being brought to hospital too late,” he added.
Meanwhile, the district health department has intensified awareness campaigns to contain the spread of measles. Officials said vaccination drives and public awareness activities are being carried out in different areas across the district.
