Bangladesh continues to face a significant measles burden, with five more people dying with measles symptoms and 1,210 patients admitted to hospitals across the country in the past 24 hours.
The latest figures bring the combined death toll from confirmed measles infections and measles-like symptoms to 1,186 since 15 March this year.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) released the figures in its regular health bulletin on Friday, 16 October.
According to the DGHS, the latest hospital admissions were recorded between 8am on Thursday and 8am on Friday. Dhaka Division reported the highest number of admissions, with 480 patients receiving hospital care during the period.
Chattogram Division recorded 277 new admissions, followed by Sylhet with 136, Barishal with 108, Khulna with 107 and Mymensingh with 70. Rajshahi reported 25 admissions, while Rangpur recorded the lowest number, at seven.
The figures show that Dhaka and Chattogram accounted for a substantial share of new hospital admissions during the 24-hour period, highlighting the continuing demand for medical care in these divisions.
Since 15 March, a total of 187,615 people with measles symptoms have been admitted to hospitals nationwide, according to the health authority. Of them, 180,002 have received treatment and been discharged.
The DGHS also reported 211,040 suspected measles cases over the same period. Laboratory testing confirmed measles in 22,972 people.
The reported deaths fall into two categories. A total of 104 people have died from confirmed measles infections, while another 1,082 have died with symptoms associated with the disease. Together, these figures account for 1,186 deaths since 15 March.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can spread through the air and respiratory particles released by an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, a runny nose, coughing, red or watery eyes and a distinctive skin rash.
Although children are particularly vulnerable to severe complications, people of any age can contract the disease, especially if they lack immunity. In serious cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, diarrhoea, dehydration and other potentially life-threatening complications.
Medical attention is important when symptoms suggest measles, particularly if a patient develops a high fever or shows signs of serious illness. Suspected cases should be managed according to healthcare professionals’ advice, including measures to reduce the risk of transmission to others.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent measles and limit its spread. Parents and caregivers should ensure that children receive the recommended doses, while suspected infections should be assessed promptly by qualified healthcare professionals.
The latest figures underline the continuing pressure on hospitals as patients seek treatment across all eight administrative divisions. Sustained disease surveillance, timely medical care, public awareness and consistent vaccination efforts remain essential to controlling transmission and reducing the risk of further deaths.
