A further two deaths involving suspected measles symptoms were reported in the latest 24-hour period, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The figures were released in the health directorate’s regular bulletin on Thursday, 22 October. The report covers the period from 8am on Wednesday through the following 24 hours.
During that period, 1,032 patients with measles or suspected measles symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the country. Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of admissions, as health facilities in several other regions also continued to receive patients.
Dhaka Records the Highest Number of Admissions
Of the 1,032 new hospital admissions, 405 were reported in Dhaka Division. Chattogram Division recorded 200 admissions, followed by Sylhet with 125.
The remaining admissions were distributed across five other divisions: Barishal recorded 94 patients, Khulna 81, Mymensingh 65, Rangpur 30 and Rajshahi 21.
The two deaths reported during the latest 24-hour period occurred in Dhaka Division. No additional deaths involving suspected measles symptoms were reported in the other divisions during the same period, according to the bulletin.
The regional figures provide an indication of the pressure on healthcare facilities as patients continue to seek treatment for suspected infection. However, hospital admissions alone do not establish the full extent of transmission, as suspected cases and laboratory-confirmed infections are recorded separately.
More Than 217,000 Suspected Cases Reported
According to the DGHS, Bangladesh recorded 217,760 suspected measles cases between 15 March and 22 October. Of these, 23,248 were confirmed as measles through testing.
Over the same period, 193,608 patients with symptoms associated with measles were admitted to hospitals nationwide. Of those admitted, 185,927 had received treatment and been discharged by the reporting date.
These figures represent different aspects of the outbreak. The total number of suspected cases includes people considered likely to have the disease, while confirmed cases refer to infections established through testing. Hospital admissions and discharges, meanwhile, reflect the demand for and provision of medical care.
The distinction is particularly important when interpreting the death toll. The combined figure of 1,207 includes both deaths from confirmed measles and deaths among people who had symptoms associated with the disease. The latter should not be interpreted as deaths definitively caused by measles.
Vaccination Remains Central to Prevention
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads primarily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Common symptoms include fever, a runny nose, coughing, red or watery eyes and a distinctive rash that usually develops several days after the initial symptoms.
Although many patients recover, measles can lead to serious complications, particularly among young children, malnourished individuals and people with weakened immune systems. Complications may include pneumonia, severe diarrhoea and dehydration, and in some cases can be life-threatening.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent measles and reduce the risk of severe illness. Ensuring that children receive their recommended doses, identifying those who have missed vaccinations and improving access to immunisation services are important measures in limiting transmission.
Early medical assessment is also essential when symptoms appear, particularly if a child develops a high fever, breathing difficulties or signs of dehydration. Because the disease spreads easily, suspected cases require appropriate medical guidance and precautions to reduce the risk of infecting others.
The latest DGHS figures highlight the continuing burden of suspected measles illness on Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Sustained surveillance, timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and effective vaccination coverage will remain important in responding to the situation.
