Sylhet, Aug 12 (V7N) — Health authorities in Sylhet are facing renewed concerns over infectious diseases after a COVID-19 case was detected in the region following a 14-month gap, while measles and dengue infections continue to be reported.
A total of three people died from measles or suspected measles-related complications in the past 24 hours, while 18 new confirmed measles cases were reported and 91 people were admitted to hospitals with measles symptoms during the same period. Four additional people also tested positive for dengue.
The figures were confirmed on Sunday by Dr Md Mahbubul Alam, director of the Sylhet Divisional Health Directorate, and Dr Mizanur Rahman, resident medical officer at Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital.
According to the latest data from the divisional health authorities, the three people who died included a three-year-eight-month-old boy from Nabiganj upazila in Habiganj, who died at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital; an 18-year-old woman from Baniachong upazila in Habiganj, who died at Habiganj District Sadar Hospital; and an eight-month-old boy from Companiganj upazila in Sylhet, who died at Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital.
Two children died in the division on Aug 7, while no deaths were reported on Aug 8. With three additional deaths reported in the latest 24-hour period on Aug 9, the total number of deaths from measles and suspected measles-related complications has risen to 125.
Of the 125 deaths, six involved confirmed measles cases, while the remaining 119 people died after developing symptoms associated with the disease. By district, 44 deaths were reported in Sylhet, 16 in Habiganj, 13 in Moulvibazar and 52 in Sunamganj.
Meanwhile, 18 new confirmed measles cases were reported in the past 24 hours, while another 91 people were admitted to hospitals with measles or suspected measles symptoms. A total of 291 suspected measles patients are currently receiving treatment at hospitals across the division.
From Jan 1 to Aug 9 this year, Sylhet division recorded 829 confirmed measles cases. Of these, 291 were reported in Sylhet, 103 in Habiganj, 102 in Moulvibazar and 335 in Sunamganj. Two of the confirmed cases in Habiganj were identified as rubella infections.
Sylhet Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Jann-e-Joy Shankar Dutta said there was no reason for alarm over the single COVID-19 case, but described the measles-related deaths as concerning.
He said the number of adults becoming infected and dying was particularly worrying. Many of the children who died after developing measles symptoms had reportedly not received vaccination, he added.
Regarding dengue, Dutta said there was no immediate reason for panic, stressing that greater awareness and proper cleanliness could help prevent its spread.
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