Measles Deaths Near Two Hundred

The number of children dying from measles and measles-related symptoms in the country has reached an alarming level, according to the latest data from the health authorities. Over the past 24 hours up to 8:00 am on Wednesday, three more children have died, bringing the total number of deaths in the last one month to 198.

According to updated figures from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), of the three deaths reported in the latest 24-hour period, one was confirmed as being caused by measles, while the remaining two were attributed to complications associated with measles symptoms.

Since 15 March, when the first measles-related death of the year was recorded, the cumulative death toll has included 32 children confirmed to have died from measles and 166 children who died from symptoms associated with the disease.

During the same reporting period, hospitals across the country admitted 666 children presenting with measles symptoms. In addition, 76 cases of confirmed measles were identified. A total of 1,032 individuals were recorded as having measles-related symptoms within the 24-hour period, while 468 patients were discharged from hospital care. The highest concentration of confirmed cases was reported in the Dhaka Division, where 505 symptomatic patients were recorded during this period.

Overall, since 15 March, a total of 19,161 suspected cases have been reported nationwide. Of these, 12,318 patients required hospital admission, while 2,973 cases were confirmed as measles.

Key measles situation summary

Public health expert Dr Mushtaq Hossain told Samakal that controlling the outbreak requires coordinated action across multiple areas. He emphasised strengthening vaccination programmes, decentralising treatment services, and ensuring separate care facilities for infected patients. While vaccination coverage has received attention, he stressed that expanding treatment capacity outside the capital is now urgent.

He further noted that specialised treatment centres should be established beyond Dhaka to reduce pressure on central hospitals and improve access to care across regions.

Regional reports indicate that deaths continue to occur in different parts of the country. In Chapainawabganj, a child died within approximately 30 minutes of hospital admission after being brought in with breathing difficulties. The child, from Birahimpur village under Nayalavanga Union in Shibganj Upazila, was admitted to a 250-bed district hospital on Tuesday night and died at around 1:00 am.

In Mymensingh, a seven-month-old child infected with measles died at the Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, according to local reporters.

In Rajshahi, authorities have announced a measles-rubella vaccination campaign scheduled from 20 April to 10 May under the Rajshahi City Corporation. The campaign aims to vaccinate 54,144 children. The announcement was made at a press briefing held at the city corporation office by Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton.