Measles toll rises to 745 in Bangladesh as deaths surge

Three more fatalities linked to measles symptoms were recorded in the capital over the past 24 hours, driving the nationwide death toll from suspected and confirmed infections to 745 since mid-March. Health authorities expressed heightened concern as urban centres continue to bear the brunt of the escalating public health crisis.

The latest epidemiological update released on Wednesday by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed 106 new laboratory-tested measles cases nationwide between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning. Over the same 24-hour period, a further 796 individuals presented with distinct clinical symptoms associated with the highly contagious viral disease.

Mortality breakdown and regional impact

Official data compiled since 15 March reveals that 652 individuals have succumbed to clinical symptoms indicative of measles, whilst 93 deaths have been definitively confirmed through laboratory diagnostics. Dhaka division remains the primary epicentre of the outbreak, suffering the highest casualty figures in both clinical and confirmed categories.

A total of 340 deaths have been registered across Dhaka division alone, comprising 283 patients who died with measles symptoms and 57 whose laboratory tests confirmed active infection prior to death. Densely populated informal settlements, delayed healthcare seeking, and localized gaps in routine childhood immunization schedules have contributed significantly to the heavy burden observed across the capital region.

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|           MEASLES OUTBREAK SUMMARY (SINCE 15 MAR)       |
+--------------------------------------------------------+
|  • Total Deaths (Confirmed + Suspected): 745           |
|  • Deaths with Clinical Symptoms: 652                  |
|  • Confirmed Deaths (Lab-Tested): 93                   |
|  • Highest Affected Division: Dhaka (340 total deaths) |
+--------------------------------------------------------+

Hospitalisation trends and healthcare response

Hospital admissions remain persistently high as medical facilities work to manage the influx of symptomatic patients. Over the last 24 hours, 748 patients presenting with measles symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the country. Dhaka division accounted for the largest share of new admissions with 264 patients seeking emergency care.

The southern and eastern divisions also reported substantial hospitalisation rates over the same period, with Chittagong registering 162 new admissions, Barisal recording 115, and Sylhet admitting 64 patients. On a positive note, healthcare providers successfully treated and discharged 784 patients during the same 24-hour window.

Health Advisory: Public health specialists emphasize that measles is a preventable viral infection. Parents and guardians are urged to ensure children complete their regular two-dose Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination schedule at nearby public health centres to curb transmission and prevent severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.

Medical teams and surveillance officers continue to monitor high-risk zones, focusing on expanding isolation capacity in secondary and tertiary hospitals while accelerating community outreach to identify unimmunized infants.