The number of child deaths linked to measles and measles-related symptoms in the country has continued to rise, reaching 198 within the past month, according to the latest figures released by health authorities.
Data provided by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) show that in the most recent 24-hour reporting period up to 8:00 am on Wednesday, three more children died. Of these, one death was confirmed as caused by measles, while two were recorded as deaths associated with complications arising from measles symptoms.
Officials stated that the first measles-related death of the year was recorded on 15 March. Since that date, cumulative fatalities have reached 198 children, comprising 32 confirmed measles deaths and 166 deaths attributed to measles-related symptoms.
In the same 24-hour period, health facilities across the country reported 1,032 individuals presenting with symptoms consistent with measles. Among them, 666 children were admitted to hospital for treatment. A further 468 patients were discharged after receiving care. Health authorities also confirmed 76 new measles cases during the reporting period, with the highest concentration recorded in Dhaka Division, where 505 symptomatic cases were identified.
Since 15 March, the overall situation has involved 19,161 reported suspected cases nationwide. Of these, 12,318 patients required hospital admission, while laboratory and clinical assessments confirmed 2,973 measles cases.
Measles situation overview
| Indicator | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Total deaths since 15 March | 198 |
| Confirmed measles deaths | 32 |
| Deaths from measles-related symptoms | 166 |
| Total suspected cases reported | 19,161 |
| Hospital admissions | 12,318 |
| Confirmed measles cases | 2,973 |
| New deaths (last 24 hours) | 3 |
| New hospital admissions (symptoms) | 666 |
| New confirmed cases (last 24 hours) | 76 |
| Symptomatic cases reported (24 hours) | 1,032 |
Public health specialist Dr Mushtaq Hossain told Samakal that containment of the outbreak requires a coordinated approach across multiple public health interventions. He highlighted three main priorities: strengthening immunisation coverage, decentralising treatment facilities beyond major urban centres, and establishing dedicated care arrangements for infected patients. He added that while vaccination efforts remain important, improving access to treatment services outside the capital is now an urgent requirement.
He further observed that expanding medical capacity beyond Dhaka would reduce pressure on central hospitals and improve responsiveness in affected districts.
Local reports indicate continued fatalities in different regions. In Chapainawabganj, a child died shortly after being admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties. The child was admitted to a 250-bed district hospital around midnight on Tuesday and died approximately 30 minutes after admission. The child was the daughter of a resident of Birahimpur village under Nayalavanga Union in Shibganj Upazila.
In Mymensingh, a seven-month-old infant infected with measles died at the Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, according to local reporting.
Meanwhile, in Rajshahi, authorities have announced a measles-rubella vaccination campaign scheduled between 20 April and 10 May. The initiative, organised under the Rajshahi City Corporation, aims to vaccinate 54,144 children within the metropolitan area. The information was disclosed at a press briefing held at the city corporation premises by Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton.