Measles outbreak claims 8 lives in 24 hours

Bangladesh’s measles outbreak remains at an alarming level, with eight more deaths reported across the country in the past 24 hours, including one confirmed measles fatality and seven deaths linked to measles symptoms, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

During the same period, 1,615 new patients were admitted to hospitals nationwide, while 126 fresh cases were confirmed, and 1,489 more people showed symptoms of the disease.

With the latest figures, the total number of deaths from confirmed measles and related symptoms has risen to 432 since March 15, according to the latest bulletin issued on Wednesday by the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room of the DGHS.

Since the outbreak began on March 15, the total number of confirmed measles cases has reached 7,150, while suspected cases have climbed to 53,056. Health officials said most of the affected patients are children.

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Of the total deaths, 69 were confirmed measles fatalities, while 363 people died with measles symptoms.

Division-wise data showed that Sylhet recorded three deaths with measles symptoms in the last 24 hours, followed by two in Mymensingh and one each in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions.

Health officials said Dhaka Division continues to report the highest number of infections and deaths.

So far, 38,054 patients with confirmed or suspected measles have been admitted to hospitals, with 33,832 discharged after treatment. However, hospitals, especially paediatric wards in government facilities, remain under pressure due to the steady rise in new admissions.

The DGHS said vaccination drives have been intensified, but immunisation gaps remain in many rural and remote areas. Health experts urged parents to ensure routine vaccination, isolate infected children, and seek timely medical care.