Two more children have died with symptoms of measles at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), raising the total death toll to 40, hospital authorities confirmed on Sunday.
According to RMCH spokesperson Dr Shankar Kumar Biswas, the deaths occurred within a 24-hour period between 8:00 am on Saturday and 8:00 am on Sunday.
During the same period, 14 children with measles-like symptoms were admitted, while 36 recovered and were discharged. So far, 391 children have been admitted to the hospital with such symptoms, with 125 currently undergoing treatment.
Meanwhile, a three-week special measles vaccination campaign has begun across five districts in Rajshahi Division, targeting high-risk areas.
The campaign was inaugurated on Sunday at a community clinic in Godagari upazila by Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam.
Officials said the initiative aims to vaccinate 56,600 children. On the first day, 27 centres are operating with a target of administering vaccines to 5,600 children.
Authorities reported strong public response, noting that parents are bringing their children voluntarily and no vaccine hesitancy has been observed.
