Bangladesh measles outbreak: Death toll crosses 600 as 7 children die in 24 hours
After the latest fatalities, the cumulative number of suspected and confirmed measles-related deaths in the South Asian country has reached 601 since March 15.
Khaleda Zia, former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson, has been placed on ventilator support after her health condition deteriorated on Thursday night. The 80-year-old leader was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on 23 November for treatment of a lung infection. She has been undergoing treatment at the hospital since then under the supervision of local and foreign specialist doctors from the Medical Board.
As per the official statement released by the Medical Board cardiologist Shahabuddin Talukdar, there was a drop in her oxygen level and a rise in carbon dioxide levels, causing increased breathing difficulties. She was previously being treated with “High Flow Nasal Cannula and BiPAP support, but as there was no improvement, she was placed on elective ventilator support to give rest to her lungs and other vital organs.”
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Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had wished Khaleda Zia a speedy recovery. He had posted on X, expressing his concern over her health, and had offered India’s support in whatever way possible. PM Modi wrote, “Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladesh’s public life for many years. Our sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. India stands ready to extend all possible support in whatever way we can.”
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Khaleda Zia battling multiple health issues
The ex-PM of Bangladesh has been suffering from several chronic ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney-related complications. Earlier this year in January, she travelled to London for advanced medical care. She underwent treatment for 17 days at the London Clinic. Later, she was moved to the residence of her son, Tarique Rahman, on 25 January. She was treated there under the supervision of London Clinic specialists Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross.
After completing her course of advanced treatment in the United Kingdom, Khaleda Zia returned to Bangladesh in the month of May.
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