Measles claim lives of five more children, over 1,000 affected in 24 hours

Five more children have died nationwide with measles-like symptoms and more than 1,000 new infections reported over the past 24 hours, according to the latest update from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The DGHS said in its daily situation report released on Wednesday (August 5) that the five latest deaths were recorded among children showing symptoms consistent with measles, although no laboratory-confirmed measles fatalities were reported during the period.

Since March 15, a total of 854 child deaths have been linked to the outbreak, including 758 deaths involving measles-like symptoms and 96 laboratory-confirmed measles fatalities.

The outbreak continues to spread rapidly across the country. Over the past 24 hours, 1,083 children were newly affected, including 124 laboratory-confirmed measles cases and 959 suspected infections.

Hospitals admitted 841 children during the reporting period, while 818 patients were discharged after receiving treatment.

DGHS data show that Bangladesh has recorded 132,905 suspected measles cases since mid-March, of which 16,655 have been laboratory confirmed. During the same period, 115,234 patients required hospitalisation, while 111,005 have since recovered and returned home.

Health authorities continue to urge parents to ensure children receive routine immunisation as the country battles one of its most severe measles outbreaks in recent years.