The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has reported the deaths of 11 children across the country due to measles and measles-related symptoms in the 24 hours leading up to 8:00 am on Sunday. According to the latest update, four children died from confirmed measles infections, while seven others succumbed to symptoms associated with the disease.
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Cumulative Mortality and Infection Rates
Since the current outbreak began on 15 March, the total number of deaths attributed to measles symptoms has reached 344. Additionally, the DGHS has officially confirmed 65 deaths resulting specifically from lab-confirmed measles.
In the last 24-hour reporting period, 205 new cases of measles were identified nationwide. During the same window, a total of 1,503 children exhibited symptoms of the disease, resulting in 1,278 new hospital admissions.
Regional Distribution of Fatalities and Hospitalisations
The geographical data provided by the health authorities indicates that the Dhaka Division remains the most affected region. Of the four confirmed measles deaths in the last 24 hours, three occurred in Dhaka and one in the Barishal Division.
Regarding the seven deaths involving measles symptoms:
Dhaka Division: 3 fatalities
Sylhet Division: 2 fatalities
Chattogram Division: 2 fatalities
Out of the 1,278 children hospitalised in the last 24 hours, 496 were from the Dhaka Division. Conversely, the report noted that 1,116 children were discharged from hospitals during this period after showing recovery from symptoms, with 443 of those discharges occurring within the Dhaka Division.
Comprehensive Outbreak Statistics (15 March to Present)
The following table outlines the cumulative data recorded by the DGHS since the commencement of the outbreak on 15 March:
| Category | Total Count |
| Total children exhibiting measles symptoms | 49,159 |
| Total hospital admissions | 34,909 |
| Lab-confirmed measles cases | 6,819 |
| Total patients discharged from hospital | 30,862 |
| Deaths from measles symptoms | 344 |
| Confirmed deaths from measles | 65 |
Public Health Context
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that remains a significant cause of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms usually include high fever, a runny nose, and bloodshot eyes, followed by a rash.
The DGHS continues to monitor the situation as hospitalisation rates fluctuate. The high concentration of cases in urban centres like Dhaka highlights the ongoing challenges in containing the spread within densely populated areas. Health officials remain focused on tracking both symptomatic cases and laboratory-confirmed infections to manage the clinical response effectively.