A sharp rise in measles-related child deaths across the Rajshahi region of Bangladesh has triggered serious public health concern, as health officials report a continued escalation in infections and fatalities within just a few days.
According to the latest data, three more children have died from measles complications, further worsening an already alarming situation. Two of the deaths occurred at the isolation unit of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, while another child died at a private healthcare facility while undergoing treatment.
Health authorities confirmed that between Saturday and Monday (up to 6 April noon), a total of eight children died within a span of only three days. Of these, five deaths occurred between Saturday night and Sunday evening alone, indicating a rapid deterioration in the outbreak situation.
With the addition of the latest fatalities, the total number of measles-related deaths in the region has risen to 46 between February and 5 April. Medical experts warn that the pace of transmission remains highly concerning, particularly among unvaccinated children and those with delayed access to treatment.
A spokesperson for Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Dr Shankar Kumar Biswas, stated in a recent bulletin that 20 new children presenting with fever, rashes, and other measles symptoms were admitted within the last 24 hours. The number of currently hospitalised children has now reached 138, while cumulative admissions since the beginning of the outbreak stand at 411.
Meanwhile, Divisional Health Director Dr Habibur Rahman reported that a large-scale measles and rubella vaccination campaign is underway across 402 centres in 10 upazilas of the Rajshahi division. The programme is in its second consecutive day, with efforts focused on rapidly increasing immunisation coverage among vulnerable children.
Public health specialists attribute the outbreak’s severity to declining vaccination rates and delays in early diagnosis and treatment. They caution that measles can spread quickly in densely populated communities, particularly where herd immunity is insufficient. Authorities have therefore stressed the importance of immediate isolation of suspected cases, prompt medical attention, and accelerated immunisation drives.
Outbreak Situation Overview
| Indicator | Current Status |
|---|---|
| New admissions (last 24 hours) | 20 children |
| Children currently hospitalised | 138 |
| Total admissions since outbreak began | 411 |
| Total deaths (Feb–5 April) | 46 |
| Deaths in last 3 days | 8 |
| Latest confirmed deaths | 3 |
Health officials and local administrators have urged parents to ensure timely vaccination of their children and to seek immediate hospital care if symptoms such as fever or skin rashes appear. They also emphasised strengthening isolation wards and expanding treatment capacity in hospitals to manage the growing caseload.
The worsening measles situation in Rajshahi is now being viewed as a significant warning sign for the broader public health system, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated intervention to contain the outbreak.