According to the latest figures from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 988 people showed symptoms of measles between 8 am on 6 November and 8 am on 7 November. The deaths were also reported during the same period.
The information was disclosed in the DGHS’s regular measles situation update issued on Saturday (7 November).
The latest figures have taken the total number of deaths associated with measles and measles-like symptoms since 15 March to 1,280. Of these, 105 deaths were confirmed as measles-related, while the remaining 1,175 involved patients who died with symptoms consistent with the disease.
The number of suspected infections has also continued to rise. With the addition of 988 new suspected cases in the latest 24-hour reporting period, the cumulative number has reached 237,702 since 15 March.
Meanwhile, laboratory-confirmed infections have also increased. A further 61 people tested positive for measles during the latest reporting period, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 24,355.
Hospital admission figures indicate the scale of the outbreak and the pressure it has placed on healthcare facilities across the country. Since 15 March, a total of 211,865 patients suspected of having measles have been admitted to hospitals nationwide.
Of them, 203,257 patients have recovered sufficiently to be discharged and return home following treatment.
Although the number of recoveries remains substantial, the continuing rise in suspected infections and the cumulative death toll underline the difficulties facing public health authorities in containing the outbreak.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and airborne particles released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can spread rapidly, particularly in communities where vaccination coverage is inadequate.
Children are especially vulnerable, and those who have not received the recommended measles vaccinations face a greater risk of infection and serious complications. Common symptoms include fever, cough, a runny nose, red or watery eyes and a distinctive skin rash.
While many patients recover with appropriate medical care, measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, diarrhoea and other potentially life-threatening conditions. Young children are particularly at risk when the disease is accompanied by complications or when treatment is delayed.
The latest DGHS figures distinguish between suspected infections and laboratory-confirmed cases, providing separate indicators of the outbreak’s scale. The distinction is important because not every patient displaying measles-like symptoms is necessarily confirmed to have the virus.
The growing number of hospital admissions also highlights the importance of early detection, timely medical attention and effective infection-control measures. Ensuring that children receive the recommended vaccinations remains a key measure in preventing further transmission.
With new suspected infections and deaths continuing to be reported, controlling the outbreak remains a significant concern for Bangladesh’s healthcare system. The latest figures point to the need for sustained vigilance, accessible treatment and continued efforts to protect children and other vulnerable groups from the disease.
