Govt confirms 15 deaths from measles

A measles outbreak in the country has reached an alarming level. So far, 15 deaths linked to measles infection have been confirmed in Rajshahi and other parts of the country, according to Health Services Division Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury.

He disclosed this information at a press conference held at the Secretariat on Wednesday (April 1).

The secretary said that, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), laboratory tests conducted on 33 samples confirmed a direct link between measles infection and the 15 deaths. As most of these fatalities were reported in the Rajshahi region, special surveillance has been intensified there.

According to data from the Directorate General of Health Services, children who have not been vaccinated or have not completed the required doses are at higher risk of infection and complications. The situation is particularly severe among malnourished children.