Measles claims eight more lives, toll hits 1,112

Bangladesh's protracted measles outbreak has claimed eight more lives in the past 24 hours, pushing the death toll from the disease and its complications to 1,112 since the outbreak began on March 15, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The latest figures, released on Saturday, show that all eight deaths involved patients who had developed severe measles symptoms, while no new laboratory-confirmed measles fatalities were recorded during the period. Moreover, every one of the latest victims died at a hospital in Dhaka Division. The outbreak has now spread to nearly every region of the country, with children remaining acutely vulnerable. Over the past 24 hours, between 43 and 82 new laboratory-confirmed cases were registered, while between 1,109 and 1,153 patients were identified with various measles symptoms.

Cumulatively, 195,197 suspected cases have been reported, of which 21,666 have been laboratory-confirmed, while 173,024 patients have required hospital treatment. Of the total deaths, 102 were laboratory-confirmed measles fatalities, whereas the remainder were attributed to severe symptoms and complications associated with the disease. Meanwhile, epidemiologists and public-health experts have stressed that measles is highly contagious and can precipitate serious complications, particularly among young children.

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Consequently, health authorities are emphasising comprehensive vaccination coverage nationwide, while doctors urge parents to seek medical attention immediately if a child develops measles symptoms or a rash. In addition, adequate fluids, nutritious food and vitamin A supplementation under medical guidance can support recovery. Nevertheless, containing the outbreak will demand sustained surveillance, heightened public awareness and continued mass-immunisation efforts.