Measles Deaths Among Children Near 800 in Four Months

Bangladesh has recorded 797 child deaths from measles and suspected measles-related complications in just over four months, with four more children dying in the latest 24-hour period, according to data released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The latest deaths occurred between 8am on Monday and 8am on Tuesday, according to the DGHS’s daily measles surveillance report. Of the four children who died, two were from Sylhet, one from Rajshahi and another from Mymensingh.

The latest figures have brought the death toll perilously close to 800 since 15 March, when the current surge in measles and measles-like illness began to be tracked. The number of deaths crossed 700 on 26 June, when the cumulative toll stood at 702. In just 26 days, the number has risen by another 95, underscoring the continuing severity of the outbreak.

The disease burden has also remained high. In the 24 hours covered by the latest report, 1,008 children were reported to have contracted measles or developed symptoms consistent with the disease. Laboratory testing confirmed measles in 130 of those cases.

Since 15 March, a total of 134,156 children have been affected by measles or suspected measles, while 14,708 cases have been confirmed as measles. The figures indicate that a substantial proportion of reported cases are still being recorded on the basis of symptoms, while confirmed infections represent a smaller but significant share of the overall caseload.

The pressure on hospitals has been considerable. DGHS data show that 102,244 children with suspected measles symptoms have been admitted to hospitals across the country since 15 March. Of these, 98,411 have recovered and returned home.

Despite the large number of recoveries, the continuing fatalities and fresh admissions point to sustained pressure on the country’s health system. Measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly, particularly among children who are unvaccinated or have missed routine immunisation doses. Severe cases can lead to complications, including pneumonia, dehydration and other serious health problems, especially among vulnerable children.

The latest figures also show that the outbreak is continuing to affect multiple regions rather than being confined to a single locality. The deaths reported from Sylhet, Rajshahi and Mymensingh in the latest 24-hour period highlight the geographic spread of the health crisis.

With the cumulative death toll now at 797, health authorities face growing pressure to strengthen surveillance, ensure timely treatment and maintain vaccination and preventive measures in affected communities. The rapid increase in deaths since the toll passed 700 also reflects the urgency of containing further transmission and protecting children at greatest risk of severe illness.