Three children have died from measles-like symptoms in Rajshahi and Nilphamari districts over the past 24 hours, health authorities confirmed on Sunday.
At Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), two more deaths were reported within 24 hours up to 8am Sunday, bringing the total number of suspected measles-related deaths at the hospital to 40.
Currently, 125 children remain admitted with similar symptoms.
RMCH spokesperson Dr Shankar K Biswas told reporters that during the same period, 24 new children were admitted, while 36 recovered and were discharged.
To ease pressure on ICU beds, 10 beds at the National Heart Foundation will temporarily be used for measles patients. RMCH currently has 12 beds dedicated to measles cases, with separate isolation facilities in place.
Authorities said isolation capacity will be expanded if patient numbers continue to rise.
Meanwhile, in Nilphamari’s Dimla Upazila, an 11-day-old girl, Afrin Jannat, daughter of Md Abu Bakar Siddiq of Khagakhari Badi Union, died on Saturday after showing measles symptoms.
She had been receiving treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, according to Dimla Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Rasheduzzaman.
Sources said Afrin was admitted to Dimla Upazila Health Complex around 10am Saturday after developing fever and skin rashes. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting doctors to transfer her to Rangpur Medical College Hospital at 11am. Despite intensive care, the infant passed away.
Health officials continue to closely monitor measles cases and urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if children show symptoms such as fever, rashes, or difficulty breathing.
