Bangladesh’s measles crisis has reached a grim milestone, with the combined death toll from measles and measles-like symptoms surpassing 1,000.

Three more children died in the 24 hours leading up to 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, bringing the total number of deaths to 1,002, according to the latest measles surveillance report from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The report, released Wednesday afternoon, said 1,188 children were diagnosed with measles or measles-like symptoms during the same 24-hour period.

Of them, 69 children were confirmed to have measles, while 1,119 were reported to have symptoms associated with the disease.

A total of 1,034 children were newly admitted to hospitals during the period, while 969 patients were discharged after treatment.

According to the DGHS, of the 1,002 reported deaths nationwide, 100 children died after being diagnosed with measles, while 902 deaths were recorded among patients suffering from measles-like symptoms.

The health authorities said the number of suspected measles cases in Bangladesh has reached 167,580 since March 15. During the same period, 19,904 cases have been confirmed as measles.

Hospital admissions have also remained extremely high. A total of 147,393 patients have been admitted to hospitals since March 15, while 141,819 have recovered and returned home.

The latest figures highlight the continuing pressure on Bangladesh’s healthcare system as hospitals deal with a large number of children suffering from measles and related symptoms.