Measles Symptoms Claim Two More Lives, Death Toll Reaches 747

The measles outbreak in Bangladesh continues to pose a serious public health concern, with two more children dying from symptoms linked to the disease in the latest 24-hour period. The total number of deaths recorded during the ongoing outbreak has now reached 747, according to the latest situation report from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The report, released on Thursday (9 July), stated that the two deaths occurred between 8:00 am on Wednesday and 8:00 am on Thursday. Since the outbreak began on 15 March, a total of 654 children have died after developing symptoms associated with measles. During the same period, laboratory tests confirmed that 93 children died after being infected with measles.

The latest figures highlight the continued pressure on the country’s healthcare system as authorities work to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease. Health officials have been monitoring infection trends, hospital admissions and deaths as new cases continue to emerge across different regions.

According to the DGHS report, 818 new cases with measles-related symptoms were identified across the country in the past 24 hours. Since 15 March, the total number of people reporting symptoms associated with measles has risen to 108,998.

The number of laboratory-confirmed measles cases has also increased. In the latest 24-hour period, 128 people tested positive for measles, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 13,198 since the outbreak started.

The health report further revealed that 92,031 patients with measles symptoms have been admitted to hospitals since 15 March. Among them, 88,419 patients have recovered and been discharged after receiving medical care.

Although two deaths were reported among patients showing measles symptoms, the health authorities confirmed that no deaths from laboratory-confirmed measles infection were recorded during the latest reporting period. The two children who died from suspected measles-related complications were from Dhaka Division and Sylhet Division.

Health experts have repeatedly warned that measles spreads quickly, particularly among children, if vaccination coverage is insufficient. The disease commonly causes fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes, and complications can become severe, especially among young children and those with weakened health conditions.

Health authorities are continuing surveillance, treatment support and preventive measures in affected areas. Officials have urged families to seek medical attention promptly if children develop symptoms and to ensure that eligible children receive measles vaccinations as part of routine immunisation efforts.

The continued rise in infections and deaths has kept the measles situation under close observation, with health officials focusing on reducing further transmission and preventing avoidable fatalities among children.