Bangladesh’s public health authorities have recorded seven additional deaths linked to suspected measles symptoms over the past 24 hours, taking the national death toll from the disease and its complications to 1,249 since mid-March.
Data released on Thursday by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) underscores the persistent challenge posed by the ongoing viral outbreak across the country. Of the latest fatalities, four were registered in the Dhaka Division, while the Chittagong, Barisal, and Khulna divisions reported one death each.
Since official tracking for the current surge commenced on 15 March, the country has recorded 105 laboratory-confirmed measles deaths, alongside 1,144 fatalities attributed to clinical symptoms of the infection.
The latest daily bulletin highlights a continuing stream of new cases nationwide. In the past 24 hours alone, health facilities identified 1,315 individuals displaying signs of the infection, comprising 64 laboratory-confirmed cases and 1,251 suspected cases. This brings the cumulative total of laboratory-confirmed measles cases to 23,695, whilst total suspected cases recorded since mid-March have reached 226,357.
Pressure on healthcare facilities remains significant. Hospital registries indicate that 201,468 patients suffering from suspected measles have been admitted for clinical care between 15 March and 29 October. On a positive note, recovery rates remain encouraging; 193,301 patients have been successfully treated and discharged from hospitals across the country during the same period.
Public health experts emphasise that measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through respiratory droplets. It typically presents with high fever, a distinctive red rash, cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes. Although preventable through vaccination, the disease can lead to severe complications, particularly among malnourished children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Potential complications include severe pneumonia, encephalitis, middle ear infections, and acute diarrhoea.
Health authorities continue to monitor hospital admissions, coordinate medical supplies, and reinforce routine immunisation drives across vulnerable communities to curb further transmission.
