Measles cases surpass 100,000 nationwide, death toll reaches 666

The total number of measles and suspected measles cases in nationwide has surpassed 100,000 this year, according to the latest data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

A total of 100,677 people have been infected with measles or exhibited measles-like symptoms so far in 2026. Of them, 10,773 cases have been laboratory-confirmed, while 89,904 individuals were identified based on symptoms.

In the last 24 hours alone, 139 new measles cases were confirmed, while 1,009 people sought treatment with measles-related symptoms.

The nationwide death toll linked to measles and its complications has risen to 666. Among the fatalities, 93 were laboratory-confirmed measles patients and 573 were individuals with measles-like symptoms. Five additional deaths were reported in the past 24 hours.

Health authorities said 74,184 patients have been admitted to hospitals with measles or related symptoms this year. Of them, 70,503 have been discharged after receiving treatment.

Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of deaths with 297 fatalities, followed by Rajshahi (89), Sylhet (75), Chattogram (58), Barishal (57), Mymensingh (55), Khulna (27), and Rangpur (8).

According to public health experts, more than 1,000 people are being infected with measles on average every day. Although the number of confirmed cases has remained relatively stable, the daily death toll of three to six people remains a serious concern. They also believe that the actual number of infections and deaths could be higher than the official figures.

The experts said a comprehensive clinical management protocol for measles has yet to be released, leaving doctors without clear and coordinated treatment guidelines. In addition, necessary death reviews and clinical audits are not being conducted to determine the causes of child deaths linked to the disease.