In the past 24 hours, five more children have died in Bangladesh amid an ongoing outbreak of measles and related symptoms, while a further 1,358 children have newly presented with signs of the illness, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The figures were disclosed on Monday (27 April) in the health authority’s routine situation report, which continues to track the spread and severity of the outbreak across multiple divisions of the country.
According to the DGHS, four of the deaths recorded within the last day were among children who exhibited measles-like symptoms. These fatalities were reported from Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet divisions, with one death occurring in each. In addition, one further death in Sylhet division was confirmed as being directly attributable to measles infection.
The report also confirmed that 90 new measles cases were diagnosed over the same 24-hour period. Since 15 March, the cumulative burden of illness has continued to rise significantly, placing sustained pressure on paediatric healthcare services nationwide.
Key measles situation update
| Indicator | Last 24 hours | Since 15 March |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths (symptom-related) | 4 | Included in total below |
| Confirmed measles deaths | 1 | Included in total below |
| New symptom cases | 1,358 | 33,386 |
| Confirmed measles cases | 90 | 4,693 |
| Hospital admissions | — | 22,442 |
| Discharged after recovery | — | 19,018 |
| Estimated currently hospitalised | — | 3,424 |
Health officials further reported that between 15 March and Monday, a total of 33,386 children have shown symptoms consistent with measles. During the same period, laboratory confirmation has been made in 4,693 cases.
Hospital data indicates that 22,442 children have been admitted to medical facilities due to complications or suspected infection. Of these, 19,018 children have recovered and been discharged. This leaves an estimated 3,424 children currently undergoing treatment in hospitals across the country.
The DGHS has not yet issued detailed information on vaccination coverage gaps or regional transmission dynamics in the latest report. However, the continued rise in both symptomatic and confirmed cases suggests sustained community-level transmission in several divisions.
Public health experts typically emphasise that measles is a highly contagious viral disease, preventable through routine immunisation. Outbreaks are often associated with disruptions in vaccination programmes or reduced immunisation coverage.
Health authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely as hospitals manage increasing admissions linked to the outbreak.
