A rapidly escalating measles outbreak in Bangladesh has claimed the lives of seven children within the past 24 hours, underscoring growing public health concerns as the country grapples with a surge in highly contagious infections among minors.
According to a regular bulletin issued on Monday evening by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), among the latest fatalities, two children were confirmed to have died from measles infection, while the remaining five deaths were recorded in cases presenting measles-like symptoms, with confirmation still pending.
Health officials reported that since 15 March up to the present reporting period, a total of 118 children have died across the country after exhibiting measles-related symptoms. Of these, 20 deaths have been laboratory-confirmed as measles, while the remainder are classified as suspected cases pending final diagnostic verification. The sharp increase in both suspected and confirmed cases has raised serious alarm among public health experts, particularly regarding vaccination coverage gaps and surveillance challenges.
In the last 24 hours alone, 1,282 children were identified as presenting symptoms consistent with measles infection. Following clinical evaluation and testing, 180 of these cases were confirmed as measles. Hospitals across the country continue to report pressure on paediatric wards, with admissions rising steadily.
Regional hospital admissions and fatalities
All seven deaths recorded in the last 24 hours occurred in the Dhaka division, which continues to be the worst affected area. Dhaka also recorded the highest number of hospital admissions, reflecting the concentration of cases in urban and peri-urban populations.
Children admitted to hospitals with suspected measles symptoms during the same 24-hour period were distributed as follows:
| Division | New hospital admissions (suspected cases) |
|---|---|
| Dhaka | 238 |
| Rajshahi | 91 |
| Chattogram | 87 |
| Khulna | 63 |
| Sylhet | Not specified (significant numbers reported) |
| Rangpur | Not specified (significant numbers reported) |
| Barishal | Not specified (significant numbers reported) |
| Mymensingh | Not specified (significant numbers reported) |
In addition to new admissions, 614 children were discharged from hospitals after recovery within the same 24-hour period. Among them, 285 were from Dhaka division and 11 from Chattogram division, indicating that while recovery rates are improving, transmission continues at a concerning pace.
Rising caseload and hotspot designation
Since mid-March, health authorities have observed a sustained upward trend in suspected measles cases nationwide. The cumulative data indicate that outbreaks are no longer confined to isolated clusters but are spreading across multiple administrative regions.
As part of emergency containment measures, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has identified 30 upazilas as high-risk “hotspots”. These areas have been prioritised for intensified vaccination drives, active case detection, and rapid response interventions.
Emergency immunisation campaigns were launched on Sunday in these hotspot regions. Local health workers and vaccination teams have since reported increased attendance at temporary immunisation centres, as parents seek preventive care for their children amid growing public concern.
Public health response and expert warnings
Public health specialists have emphasised that measles is highly contagious but largely preventable through timely vaccination. They warn that disruptions in routine immunisation services, coupled with population mobility and overcrowding in certain urban areas, may have contributed to the current spike in infections.
Doctors have urged parents to ensure children receive the full recommended doses of measles vaccine and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, or conjunctivitis appear. Early detection and isolation remain critical in preventing further transmission.
Authorities have also highlighted the importance of nutritional support for children, noting that malnutrition significantly increases the risk of complications and mortality from measles.
While the recovery rate among hospitalised children offers some reassurance, health officials caution that the continued emergence of new cases suggests the outbreak has not yet been brought under control. Ongoing surveillance, expanded immunisation coverage, and coordinated public health messaging are being prioritised to contain further spread.