Measles Crisis Claims Another Child as Cases Near 1.2 Million

Another child has died in Bangladesh after developing symptoms linked to measles, while nearly a thousand new infections were reported within the past 24 hours, according to the latest data released by the Directorate General of Health Services.

The child died in Dhaka after showing symptoms associated with measles. The death toll from measles and measles-related symptoms has now reached 742 since 15 March, highlighting the continuing severity of the outbreak among children across the country.

The health authorities reported that between 8am on Monday and 8am on Tuesday, a total of 992 children were affected by measles and related symptoms. Of them, 173 children were confirmed to have measles, while 819 showed symptoms consistent with the disease but had not been laboratory-confirmed.

According to the measles situation report published by the health directorate, 649 children have died after developing measles-like symptoms since 15 March. During the same period, 93 children who were confirmed to have measles also died.

The outbreak has placed a significant burden on the country’s healthcare system. Official figures show that since 15 March, a total of 120,348 children have been affected by measles or measles-related symptoms. Among them, 12,964 children were diagnosed with measles, while 107,384 children developed symptoms associated with the disease.

A large number of affected children required hospital care. Since the beginning of the outbreak, 90,522 children with measles-related symptoms have been admitted to hospitals, while 86,844 patients have recovered and been discharged.

Health experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of vaccination, early detection and timely medical treatment to reduce severe complications from measles. The disease can become particularly dangerous among young children, especially those suffering from malnutrition or weakened immunity.

The latest figures indicate that the outbreak remains a major public health challenge, with health authorities continuing surveillance and treatment efforts to control further spread. The rising number of infections and deaths among children has increased concerns over ensuring wider access to preventive measures and emergency healthcare services across the country.