Child death toll hits 545 after 17 new fatalities

In the past 24 hours, Bangladesh reported 17 new child deaths linked to measles and related symptoms, raising fresh alarm over the country’s worsening public health emergency, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The latest data shows that out of the 17 deaths, one child tested positive for measles, while the remaining 16 died from severe symptoms consistent with the disease. With these fatalities, the total death toll since March 15 has reached 545.

Health officials also reported a continued rise in infections, with 1,224 new suspected and confirmed cases recorded in the same 24-hour period. Since mid-March, a total of 8,719 laboratory-confirmed cases and 64,940 suspected cases have been identified nationwide.

Dhaka Division remains the worst-affected region, reporting the highest number of cases and deaths, followed by Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal, Khulna, and Rangpur divisions.

Read More: Measles outbreak claims 16 children in 24 hours

Despite the surge, recovery rates remain significant, with over 47,000 children discharged after treatment since the outbreak began. Health experts continue to emphasize urgent vaccination through the measles-rubella (MR) immunization program as the most effective preventive measure.

Doctors have urged parents to seek immediate medical care for children showing symptoms such as high fever, rash, cough, and red eyes, and to isolate infected patients to prevent further spread.