At least 1,177 new suspected measles cases and four more suspected measles deaths were reported in the 24 hours until 8:00am Friday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.
The four more deaths have raised the suspected measles death toll to 144 since March 15.
With the latest figures, a total of 13,497 suspected measles cases have been recorded across the country since March 15.
Laboratory tests have confirmed 23 measles deaths and 2,409 infections so far, while many suspected cases remain under investigation as test results take several days to be processed.
Of the latest suspected deaths, two were reported in Dhaka and two in Khulna, DGHS officials said.
The DGHS also reported that 659 new suspected measles patients were admitted to different hospitals already struggling with overcrowding.
The hospitals in the capital and districts are struggling to provide services as suspected measles patients continue to flood the health facilities.
New Age correspondents in Barishal and Rajshahi reported that local medical college hospitals were struggling to manage the growing number of patients.
At Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal, the number of patients has exceeded available beds, forcing many parents to occupy the floor with their sick children.
During a visit to the children’s ward, parents were seen holding children with fever in their laps, anxiously waiting for treatment.
In the past 24 hours, 31 new patients were admitted while 28 recovered and returned home. Currently, 92 children are undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Hospital director Brigadier General Dr AKM Mushiul Monir said that two children died in the past 24 hours while receiving treatment for measles symptoms.
One of the deceased was two-year-old Sadia from Kazirchar union of Muladi upazila, while the other was nine-month-old Rakib from Chakhar union of Banaripara upazila.
Sadia died at 3:45am and Rakib at 4:45am after being admitted on April 8 with fever, rash and measles-like symptoms.
With the latest deaths, the number of children who died with measles symptoms in Barishal division has risen to 14.
Doctors said that most of the children were arriving at hospitals with fever, cold, cough and red rashes, and many were reaching health facilities late, increasing the risk of complications.
Hospitals in Rajshahi and Dhaka are also facing pressure due to the surge in suspected measles patients.
According to DGHS data, of the 659 newly admitted patients, 187 were admitted in Dhaka division, 113 in Chattogram and 100 in Rajshahi.
Health officials warned that the continued rise in infections could further strain hospital capacity if emergency vaccination and containment measures were not strengthened.
