Measles death toll rises to 683 as 3 children die in 24 hours

Three more children exhibiting measles-like symptoms have died in the past 24 hours, raising the nationwide death toll linked to measles and suspected measles infections to 683 since March 15, according to the latest report released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Monday.

The latest fatalities were reported from the Rajshahi, Chattogram, and Mymensingh divisions. Although all three children died after developing symptoms consistent with measles, none of the cases has been laboratory-confirmed. The DGHS said that, since March 15, a total of 590 children have died with suspected measles symptoms, while 93 deaths have been confirmed as resulting from the highly contagious viral disease.

Health authorities reported that between March 15 and June 22, the country recorded 93,755 suspected measles cases and 11,171 laboratory-confirmed infections, bringing the total number of suspected and confirmed cases to 104,926. The figures underscore the continuing severity of the outbreak, with both infection and mortality rates remaining a significant public health concern despite ongoing containment efforts.

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The report further revealed that 77,743 children have been admitted to hospitals with measles or measles-like symptoms since the outbreak began, of whom 73,985 have recovered and been discharged. During the past 24 hours alone, 884 children were hospitalised, while 1,136 were discharged after recovery. The DGHS also recorded 160 newly confirmed measles cases and 965 additional suspected infections, adding 1,125 children to the daily caseload. Health experts have urged parents to seek immediate medical attention at the onset of symptoms, stressing that early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to reducing the risk of complications and fatalities.