Five More Child Deaths as Measles Cases Rise

Bangladesh has recorded five more child deaths linked to measles symptoms over the past 24 hours, pushing the combined death toll from confirmed measles infections and suspected cases to 810 since 15 March. While the outbreak continues to spread across the country, health authorities say an increasing number of patients are also recovering and returning home after receiving hospital treatment.

According to a statement issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Friday (24 July), the latest fatalities occurred between 8:00 a.m. on Thursday and 8:00 a.m. on Friday. During the same 24-hour period, another 1,137 people were reported to have contracted measles or developed symptoms consistent with the disease.

The DGHS data show that, since 15 March, laboratory testing has confirmed 95 deaths directly caused by measles. A further 715 people have died after developing symptoms associated with the disease, bringing the total number of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 810.

Health authorities also reported that 15,194 people have so far tested positive for measles through laboratory confirmation. In addition, 122,150 individuals with suspected measles symptoms have sought treatment at hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country.

Of those patients, 104,717 required hospital admission. Encouragingly, 101,056 have since recovered and been discharged, indicating that timely medical care continues to improve outcomes for many patients despite the ongoing outbreak.

The highest number of infections and deaths has been recorded in the Dhaka Division, making it the country’s worst-affected region. The disease has also spread widely across the Sylhet, Rajshahi and Chattogram divisions, where healthcare providers continue to monitor rising case numbers.

Public health specialists believe that low childhood immunisation coverage and widespread malnutrition remain among the key factors contributing to the severity of the outbreak. Children who have not received the recommended measles vaccine, particularly those with weakened immune systems or poor nutritional status, are considered to be at significantly greater risk of developing serious complications.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads primarily through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Early symptoms commonly include fever, cough, a runny nose and red eyes, followed by the appearance of a distinctive skin rash. Without prompt medical attention, the disease can lead to severe complications, particularly among infants and young children.

The Directorate General of Health Services has urged parents and guardians to ensure that children receive their routine measles vaccinations without delay. The health authority has also called for the nationwide immunisation campaign to be strengthened and advised families to seek immediate medical treatment if children develop symptoms consistent with measles, in an effort to reduce further infections and prevent avoidable deaths.