Measles death toll rises to 555

10 more child deaths linked to measles and its symptoms in the past 24 hours, pushing the nationwide death toll to 555 amid a worsening outbreak.

According to the latest report from Directorate General of Health Services released on Tuesday, one of the newly deceased children tested positive for measles, while the remaining nine died with severe symptoms associated with the disease.

Health officials said a total of 8,772 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been recorded across the country since March 15. Another 66,023 suspected cases with measles symptoms have also been identified during the same period.

Of the total 555 deaths reported so far, 88 were confirmed measles patients and 467 died with symptoms linked to the infection.

Dhaka division continues to record the highest number of fatalities. Of the 10 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, five were from Dhaka, including the only lab-confirmed measles fatality. The remaining deaths were reported from Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barishal divisions.

Health experts warned that delayed treatment and failure to recognise early symptoms are contributing to the rising child death toll.

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The report also said 945 more children were admitted to hospitals with measles symptoms in the last 24 hours, while 53 new infections were confirmed through laboratory testing.

Despite the worsening outbreak, authorities said 1,181 children recovered and were discharged from hospitals during the same period.

Health officials said surveillance, emergency vaccination drives and awareness campaigns have been intensified in high-risk areas to contain the outbreak.