Dhaka: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak continues to claim lives, with eight more children dying from measles or measles-like symptoms in a 24-hour period, taking the combined confirmed and suspected death toll to 902 this year.
According to the latest data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the eight deaths were reported between 8 a.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday. The total includes 99 laboratory-confirmed measles deaths and 803 suspected measles-related deaths.
The continued fatalities have raised concerns over the persistence of the outbreak nearly three months after Bangladesh completed a nationwide emergency measles vaccination campaign. Health authorities are continuing surveillance and treatment efforts as cases remain widespread.
The outbreak has placed significant pressure on the country’s healthcare system, particularly paediatric facilities treating children with severe measles-related complications. The latest figures indicate that the disease continues to pose a major public health challenge despite intensified vaccination efforts.
Health experts have stressed the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage, strengthening disease surveillance and ensuring early treatment, particularly in communities where immunisation levels remain low.
The latest increase in fatalities underscores the seriousness of Bangladesh’s measles outbreak and the need for sustained public-health measures to contain transmission and prevent further loss of life.