Bangladesh has recorded its highest single-day death toll from measles since the current outbreak began earlier this year, highlighting growing concerns over the spread of the highly contagious but largely preventable disease.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, 17 people died in the 24 hours leading up to Monday morning, with two fatalities officially confirmed as measles-related and 15 classified as suspected cases showing similar symptoms.
Health authorities also reported a sharp rise in infections. A total of 1,302 suspected cases were identified within the same 24-hour period, bringing the cumulative number of suspected infections to 41,793 since 15 March. Of these, 154 new cases were laboratory-confirmed, raising the total confirmed infections to 5,467.
The outbreak has placed increasing pressure on the healthcare system. Since mid-March, 28,842 people have been hospitalised with suspected measles, while 25,151 patients have recovered and been discharged.
The confirmed death toll now stands at 52, following two additional verified fatalities recorded in the latest update. Meanwhile, deaths linked to suspected measles cases have reached 259 after 15 more were reported over the past day.
Data indicates that the Dhaka Division has been the hardest hit region, accounting for 18,957 suspected cases, of which 3,748 have been confirmed.
Public health experts note that measles, while highly infectious, is preventable through vaccination. The scale of the current outbreak has raised renewed questions about immunisation coverage and disease surveillance, as authorities continue efforts to contain its spread and reduce fatalities.
