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Bangladesh’s measles outbreak is worsening, with nine more deaths reported in the past 24 hours, pushing the combined death toll from confirmed measles and measles-like symptoms to 424.
Mariyam Adheela
A woman comforts her child receiving treatment for measles at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh -- Photo: AP/Mahmud Hossain Opu)
DHAKA: The Directorate General of Health Services said three of the latest deaths were confirmed measles cases, while six children died with measles-like symptoms. All three confirmed deaths were reported in Dhaka division.
Authorities recorded 87 new confirmed cases and more than 1,100 suspected infections during the same period. Since March 15, more than 7,000 confirmed cases and 51,000 suspected infections have been reported nationwide.
Nearly 37,000 children with measles symptoms have been hospitalized, with more than 32,000 recovering and being discharged.
Health experts have linked the outbreak to disruptions in immunization programmes and shortages of measles-rubella vaccines during 2024 and 2025.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman described the situation as a disaster and announced an investigation into possible negligence and vaccine shortages.
