Measles Outbreak: 94 deaths in 19 days, 5,792 suspected
The country’s Health authorities have reported a concerning rise in suspected measles cases across the country.
According to a press release from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Friday, a total of 5,792 suspected cases have been recorded in the past 19 days, resulting in 94 suspected deaths.
In the latest 24-hour period—from 8:00 a.m. on April 2 to 8:00 a.m. on April 3—947 new suspected measles cases were identified nationwide. Of the total, 771 cases have been confirmed.
The DGHS confirmed that nine deaths were definitively linked to measles, while 94 remain classified as suspected.
The Cox’s Bazar district in the Chattogram division has recorded the highest mortality rate.
The report also noted discrepancies in district-level reporting. Five deaths previously reported from Brahmanbaria (3), Lakshmipur (1), and Chandpur (1) have been excluded from the national tally due to errors. Conversely, a death at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital has been added to the current report.
Division-wise confirmed measles cases are as follows: Dhaka: 358, Rajshahi: 194, Chattogram: 102, Khulna: 41, Barishal: 38, Sylhet: 19, Mymensingh: 14, Rangpur: 5 Since March 15, a total of 3,776 patients with measles symptoms have been admitted to hospitals nationwide, of whom 2,527 have recovered and been discharged.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare held an emergency meeting yesterday with representatives of frontline health workers, following instructions from Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain.
Chaired by Health Secretary Md. Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, the meeting included senior officials such as DGHS Director General Prof. Dr. Prabhat Chandra Biswas and Additional Director General (Administration) Prof. Dr. Md. Zahid Raihan.
Health workers, including inspectors, assistants, sanitary staff, and porters, raised longstanding grievances and unmet demands.
The Health Secretary acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing that the government is aware of the issues. He highlighted the importance of frontline workers’ dedication in ensuring the success of the upcoming emergency measles vaccination campaign, which the Prime Minister has prioritized.
A committee, led by Prof. Dr. Md. Zahid Raihan, was formed to review the health workers’ demands and submit recommendations within 15 days. Health workers expressed appreciation for the initiative and pledged full cooperation to make the vaccination drive successful.
