149 children die in 23 days as measles infections rise
In the last 24 hours alone, from 8am Monday, one confirmed and 10 suspected measles-related deaths were reported
The measles situation in Bangladesh shows no signs of improvement, with infections and deaths continuing to rise daily, raising serious public health concerns.
In the past 23 days, a total of 149 children have died from confirmed and suspected measles. Health experts say the country is currently experiencing an outbreak and are urging parents to remain vigilant about symptoms and ensure timely vaccination.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) data, as of today (7 April), 21 children have died from confirmed measles infections so far this year, while an additional 128 deaths have been recorded among suspected cases.
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In the last 24 hours alone, from 8am Monday, one confirmed and 10 suspected measles-related deaths were reported. During the same period, 1,236 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals, while 224 cases were laboratory-confirmed.
DGHS data shows that between 15 March and 7 April, a total of 1,398 measles cases were confirmed through laboratory testing, with confirmed deaths reaching 21.
Cumulatively, suspected measles cases have reached 9,883, while confirmed cases stand at 6,883. A total of 4,635 patients have been discharged from hospitals so far.
Highest cases in Dhaka, suspected death in Rajshahi
Among the divisions, Dhaka reported the highest number of suspected cases at 499, followed by Rajshahi (225) and Chattogram (175). Khulna recorded 101 cases, Barishal 96, Mymensingh 46, Rangpur 54, and Sylhet 40.
In terms of confirmed infections, Dhaka also topped the list with 186 cases, followed by Rajshahi (12) and Barishal (9), while other divisions reported fewer than 10 cases each.
Hospital data shows Dhaka recorded the highest number of new admissions in the past 24 hours at 256, followed by Chattogram (125) and Rajshahi (92).
The highest number of suspected measles deaths was reported in Rajshahi Division with 58 cases, followed by Dhaka with 51. Chattogram reported 10 deaths, Khulna six, Barishal two, and Sylhet one.
In terms of confirmed measles deaths, Dhaka recorded the highest number with nine cases, followed by Barishal five, Chattogram two, and Rajshahi and Mymensingh with two cases each.
What experts say
Health experts warn that misconceptions about measles being a mild illness are contributing to the crisis.
Dr Fahmida Zabeen, senior consultant in Pediatrics and Neonatology at Evercare Hospital Dhaka, said measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications and death if not properly managed. She stressed the importance of timely immunisation, isolation of infected individuals, adequate nutrition, and prompt medical care.
"To control the current outbreak, vaccination coverage must be restored to at least 95%, with priority given to high-risk areas through coordinated healthcare interventions," she said.
Dr Sanjoy Kumar Dey, professor of Neonatology at Bangladesh Medical University, said infected children face increased risks due to weakened immunity, which can lead to complications such as pneumonia and diarrhoea.
He noted that symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after exposure, and a single infected person can transmit the virus to up to 18 others.
"In the early stage, symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and sensitivity to light. A rash usually appears after three to four days. Children showing these symptoms should be isolated immediately, and medical attention must be sought if breathing difficulties develop," he said.
He also advised keeping symptomatic children out of school, ensuring they receive vitamin A-rich foods, and getting them vaccinated as soon as possible.
