Eight more children have died with symptoms associated with measles in the past 24 hours, bringing the cumulative death toll linked to the outbreak to 583, according to the latest measles situation report released by Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Saturday.
The report states that between 8:00 a.m. on Friday and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, a total of 1,086 children were newly affected by measles or measles-like symptoms across the country. During the same period, eight child deaths were recorded.
Of the latest fatalities, three occurred in Dhaka, two in Sylhet, one in Chattogram, and two in Mymensingh. The DGHS included these figures in its daily update on the measles situation.
Since 15 March this year, authorities have recorded 493 child deaths among patients presenting with measles symptoms. In addition, 90 children have died after laboratory confirmation of measles infection. Combined, these figures bring the total number of deaths associated with the outbreak to 583.
Health authorities also reported a substantial number of suspected cases since mid-March. According to the DGHS, 69,612 children have developed measles symptoms since 15 March. Of those, 55,705 required hospital admission for treatment and observation.
The report further noted that 52,050 children have recovered sufficiently to be discharged from hospital during the same period. This indicates that the majority of admitted patients have completed treatment and returned home.
Laboratory surveillance data show that 8,996 children have tested positive for measles since 15 March. The number of laboratory-confirmed cases is lower than the total number of symptomatic cases because not every patient with suspected measles undergoes laboratory confirmation.
The latest figures highlight the continuing burden on healthcare facilities as authorities monitor the spread of the disease and its impact on children nationwide. The DGHS continues to publish regular updates tracking suspected cases, confirmed infections, hospital admissions, recoveries, and deaths.
Measles Situation Since 15 March
| Indicator | Number |
|---|---|
| Children with measles symptoms | 69,612 |
| Hospital admissions | 55,705 |
| Recovered and discharged | 52,050 |
| Laboratory-confirmed measles cases | 8,996 |
| Deaths with measles symptoms | 493 |
| Deaths after measles confirmation | 90 |
| Total deaths | 583 |
| New cases in last 24 hours | 1,086 |
| New deaths in last 24 hours | 8 |
According to the latest reporting period, the eight newly reported deaths were distributed across four divisions, with Dhaka recording the highest number at three. Sylhet and Mymensingh each reported two deaths, while Chattogram reported one. The national figures continue to be compiled from health facilities and surveillance systems operating under the DGHS since the outbreak data began being tracked on 15 March.