Three More Children Succumb to Measles as Death Toll Reaches 825

Three more children have died from measles-like symptoms across Bangladesh over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities linked to the viral infection and its symptoms to 825. During the same period, 904 new cases involving confirmed measles or related symptoms were recorded nationwide, according to the latest bulletin released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.

Health department data reveals a troubling surge in infections since mid-March. Between 15 March and 28 July, a total of 730 children passed away after presenting with measles-like symptoms, while another 95 confirmed measles cases resulted in fatalities. Together, these figures bring the overall child mortality toll from the disease and associated complications to 825.

Epidemiological tracking over this four-month period shows that public health facilities have registered 124,745 suspected measles cases nationwide. Laboratory testing has formally confirmed 15,555 of these infections. Hospitalisation rates have remained high throughout the outbreak, with 107,654 patients admitted for medical care. Of those admitted, 103,467 children have recovered and been discharged from medical centres.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through respiratory droplets. It poses severe risks to young children, particularly those who are malnourished or have unverified vaccination histories. Typical symptoms include high fever, a distinctive red skin rash, coughing, runny nose, and inflamed eyes. Secondary complications such as pneumonia, severe diarrhoea, and encephalitis often account for the majority of severe outcomes and fatalities among infected infants.

Health authorities have urged parents to ensure their children receive the routine Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine doses under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). Medical specialists stress that early clinical intervention remains vital, advising guardians to seek immediate hospital care if children display persistent high fever alongside cutaneous rashes or respiratory distress. Field teams have been instructed to intensify community surveillance and catch-up vaccination drives to curb further transmission across vulnerable districts.