Measles death toll passes 500

The death toll from Bangladesh’s ongoing measles outbreak has crossed 500 after 13 children died in the 24 hours till 8am Saturday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.

Health officials said one of the latest deaths was from a confirmed measles case, while 12 others were linked to measles-related symptoms.

During the same period, 972 new suspected measles cases were reported across the country, along with 49 confirmed infections.

Since March 15, Bangladesh has recorded 512 measles-related deaths, including 426 suspected deaths and 86 confirmed deaths. The total number of suspected cases has reached 62,507, while confirmed infections stand at 8,494. Dhaka and Sylhet divisions reported the highest number of suspected deaths in the latest update, with four deaths each. Dhaka district also recorded one confirmed measles death.

According to the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room of the DGHS, 49,389 suspected measles patients have been admitted to hospitals since the outbreak began. Of them, 45,011 have recovered and been discharged.

Health authorities are continuing surveillance and treatment efforts as the outbreak spreads across the country.