Three children died with measles and measles-like symptoms in the Sylhet division in the last 24 hours, according to a health bulletin issued on Saturday.
The deceased were seven-month-old Kamrul, son of Ali Hossain of Dabator village in Shantiganj, Sunamganj; 10-month-old Kripa, child of Rajan from Rani Tea Estate in Kulaura, Moulvibazar; and four-month-old Nahid Ahmad, son of Mukit Ahmad of Kolarkuti village in Zakiganj, Sylhet.
Kamrul and Kripa died while undergoing treatment at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, while Nahid died at Shaheed Dr Shamsuddin Ahmad Hospital.
With the latest deaths, the total number of child fatalities linked to measles and related symptoms in the Sylhet division has risen to 99, according to the health department.
Among the deceased, four were confirmed measles cases, while the remaining children died with measles-like symptoms.
The health bulletin said 66 patients with measles or related symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the division in the last 24 hours, from Friday morning to Saturday morning.
Of them, 31 were admitted to Shaheed Dr Shamsuddin Ahmad Hospital, 29 to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, four to Moulvibazar District Sadar Hospital, and two to North East Hospital.
A total of 297 patients are currently undergoing treatment at hospitals across the Sylhet division.
Among them, 120 are receiving treatment at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, 101 at Shaheed Dr Shamsuddin Ahmad Hospital, 28 at Sunamganj District Sadar Hospital, 13 at Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College Hospital, 10 at Moulvibazar District Sadar Hospital, seven at North East Hospital, three at Life Aid Apollo Hospital, and three at Habiganj District Sadar Hospital.
One patient each is admitted to Beanibazar and Golapganj upazila health complexes, while three are receiving treatment at Fenchuganj upazila health complex.
Resident Medical Officer Dr Mizanur Rahman of Shaheed Dr Shamsuddin Ahmad Hospital said the hospital was under significant pressure due to the rising number of patients.
He said 12 of the hospital's 13 intensive care unit (ICU) beds are currently occupied.
