Bangladesh reports 439 measles deaths as 7 new cases recorded in last 24 hours

Bangladesh is continuing to face a severe measles outbreak as seven more children died from measles and measles-like symptoms within the 24 hours leading up to 8am on Thursday, bringing the total death toll to 439, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Among the latest fatalities, one death was confirmed as directly caused by measles, while the remaining six were categorised as suspected cases linked to measles-related complications.

Health officials said that of the suspected deaths, four were reported from Dhaka division alone, highlighting the continued concentration of cases in the region.

With the latest update, the total number of confirmed measles-related deaths in the country has reached 70, while suspected deaths have risen to 369.

DGHS data also shows that the outbreak continues to expand, with 155 new confirmed measles cases reported within the same 24-hour period. This brings the total number of confirmed infections to 7,305 nationwide.

The situation remains serious, with health authorities reporting 1,363 suspected cases recorded in the last 24 hours alone. Overall, suspected measles cases have now climbed to 54,419 since the outbreak intensified.

Since 15 March, hospitals across the country have admitted a total of 39,160 suspected measles patients. Of them, 34,968 have recovered and been discharged, while a significant number remain under treatment or observation.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as concerns grow over the spread of the disease and its impact on children, particularly in densely populated areas.