Two children with suspected measles died in Sylhet Division over the past 24 hours, raising the death toll linked to the disease to 116. During the same period, a 54-year-old man died after contracting dengue, marking the first dengue-related death in the division this year.
The Divisional Health Directorate confirmed the figures on Monday morning.
According to the health authorities, of the 116 people who have died with suspected measles, one was an adult while the remaining 115 were children. The fatalities include 40 in Sylhet district, 51 in Sunamganj, 13 in Moulvibazar, and 12 in Habiganj. At present, 254 patients with suspected measles are receiving treatment at hospitals across the division.
Health officials said the number of new infections and deaths has declined in recent weeks, indicating that the outbreak is gradually coming under control. They added that the improving situation has brought some relief to local residents.
Medical experts warned that many patients can develop serious complications within a week of the onset of measles symptoms. They urged people to seek medical advice promptly before complications arise.
According to the Health Directorate, around 95 percent of those infected had not received the measles vaccine, largely due to a lack of awareness and the persistence of misconceptions about immunization. Officials also said infection and mortality rates have been comparatively higher in Sylhet's border areas and the haor regions of Sunamganj, where access to healthcare services remains limited. However, they noted that the most critical phase of the outbreak has already passed, although some changes in the disease's symptoms and clinical presentation have been observed.
Meanwhile, a 54-year-old man died while undergoing treatment for dengue at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, the first dengue-related fatality recorded in the division this year. Health officials said there is no reason for public alarm, noting that only five dengue patients are currently receiving treatment in hospitals across Sylhet Division.
Md. Zahidul Islam, Chief Health Officer of the Sylhet City Corporation, said no dengue cases have been detected within the city corporation area so far. However, mosquito control operations are continuing on a regular basis.
Dr. Janmejoy Dutta, Deputy Civil Surgeon of Sylhet district, said there is no need for public panic over the current dengue situation. He added that the health authorities have taken the necessary preparations to deal with any possible increase in cases. Free dengue testing is available for patients with fever at hospitals across the district, while doctors and nurses have been trained to provide primary care for dengue patients. Larvae surveillance and public awareness campaigns are also ongoing. He advised anyone experiencing fever to visit the nearest hospital promptly for a dengue test.
