Five more children have died with symptoms associated with measles across Bangladesh in the past 24 hours, while 124 new cases of confirmed measles infection have been reported, according to the latest data released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The health authority said 959 people were identified as suspected measles patients during the same period, highlighting the continued spread of the disease and the pressure it is placing on healthcare facilities.
The figures were published in a health update issued by the DGHS on Wednesday (5 August). The data covers the period from 8:00 am on 4 August to 8:00 am on 5 August.
According to the report, all five deaths recorded during the latest 24-hour period occurred among children from Dhaka Division. However, laboratory tests did not confirm any of these deaths as being caused by measles. Health officials classify such cases separately when patients die with measles-like symptoms but confirmation through testing is not available.
Since 15 March this year, a total of 758 deaths have been reported among patients showing measles-related symptoms. Of these, 96 deaths have been confirmed through testing as measles-related fatalities.
The DGHS data also showed that the number of confirmed measles cases has continued to rise. Since the outbreak monitoring period began on 15 March, a total of 16,655 people have tested positive for measles across the country. During the same period, the number of suspected measles cases has reached 132,905.
Health experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of early detection, timely medical care, and ensuring routine vaccination coverage to prevent further transmission of measles, particularly among children. The disease can spread rapidly in communities where vaccination rates are low, and young children remain among the most vulnerable groups.
In the latest 24-hour period, 124 measles patients were admitted to hospitals for treatment. Since 15 March, a total of 115,234 patients with measles-related conditions have required hospital care. Among them, 111,005 people have recovered and been discharged from medical facilities.
The ongoing rise in suspected and confirmed cases has prompted health authorities to continue monitoring the situation closely. Hospitals and local health centres have been instructed to maintain surveillance, identify new infections quickly, and provide necessary treatment to patients showing severe symptoms.
Although laboratory-confirmed deaths remain lower than the total number of deaths involving measles-like symptoms, the scale of suspected cases indicates that the outbreak remains a significant public health concern. Children, particularly those suffering from complications or delayed treatment, continue to face the highest risks from the disease.
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