Measles death toll climbs to 610
Bangladesh’s measles outbreak continues to deepen, with five more children dying from measles and measles-like syndrome in the past 24 hours, raising the total death toll this year to 610, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The latest DGHS health bulletin, covering the period from 8:00am on 4 June to 8:00am on 5 June, also reported that 1,168 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the country during the same period.
Among the newly reported cases, 243 infections were laboratory-confirmed as measles, reflecting the continued spread of the highly contagious viral disease.
Health authorities said that of the 610 deaths recorded so far this year, 91 children died from laboratory-confirmed measles infections, while another 519 children died after exhibiting symptoms consistent with measles, although laboratory confirmation was not available in all cases.
Since 15 March, Bangladesh has recorded 9,500 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, while the total number of suspected infections has reached 76,876 nationwide.
Despite the alarming surge, recovery rates remain significant. According to DGHS data, 58,154 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals after receiving treatment.
Hospitals across the country continue to experience a steady influx of children suffering from fever, rash, cough and other symptoms associated with measles. Healthcare facilities in major urban centres, including Dhaka, have reported increasing pressure on paediatric wards as medical staff work to manage the growing number of cases.
At the DNCC COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital in Mohakhali, children diagnosed with measles are receiving treatment as authorities struggle to contain the outbreak.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious viral diseases and can spread rapidly among unvaccinated populations.
The illness typically causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a characteristic skin rash. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), severe dehydration and death, particularly among young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Public health experts have warned that disruptions in routine immunisation programmes, vaccine hesitancy and gaps in healthcare access can contribute to outbreaks. The World Health Organization has repeatedly stressed that maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to preventing large-scale measles transmission.
Bangladesh has historically achieved strong childhood immunisation rates through its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). However, the current outbreak has raised concerns about immunity gaps in certain communities and the need for intensified vaccination campaigns.
Health authorities are continuing surveillance efforts and urging parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop symptoms associated with measles. Officials are also emphasising the importance of vaccination as the most effective protection against the disease.
With infections continuing to rise and hospitals reporting a steady stream of new admissions, public health officials remain on high alert as Bangladesh confronts one of its most serious measles outbreaks in recent years.
