July sees highest single-day death toll

Bangladesh recorded its highest single-day measles death toll of July as seven people died from confirmed and suspected measles infections in the 24 hours until 8am Tuesday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The latest DGHS bulletin said six deaths were linked to suspected measles symptoms, while one death was confirmed as measles during the period.

The health directorate also reported 122 new confirmed measles cases during the same 24-hour period, as the outbreak continues to spread across the country.

Since the DGHS began publishing measles data on March 15, the number of confirmed measles deaths has risen to 95, while deaths involving suspected measles symptoms have reached 671.

Among suspected measles deaths, Dhaka Division recorded the highest number at 291, followed by Sylhet with 93, Rajshahi with 89, Mymensingh with 63, Chattogram with 54, Barishal with 43, Khulna with 29, and Rangpur with 9.

The DGHS said 868 people with suspected measles symptoms sought treatment at hospitals across the country during the past 24 hours, with 831 patients admitted.

Dhaka Division reported the highest number of hospital admissions at 319, followed by Chattogram with 195, Barishal with 128, Sylhet with 54, Mymensingh with 53, Khulna with 47, Rajshahi with 24, and Rangpur with 11.

The total number of measles-related hospital admissions this year has reached 96,027, according to DGHS data.

Of those admitted, 92,383 patients have recovered and been discharged after receiving treatment.

The cumulative number of suspected measles cases has climbed to 113,244, while laboratory-confirmed cases stand at 13,735.

Health authorities continue to monitor the measles outbreak as hospitals across Bangladesh report a steady influx of suspected patients requiring treatment and medical attention.