Bangladesh reports 11 new child deaths amid rising measles cases

Eleven more children have died in Bangladesh over the past 24 hours till Tuesday morning, including nine from measles-related symptoms and two from confirmed measles cases, according to health authorities.

The latest figures were released in a bulletin by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), which also reported a sharp rise in infections and suspected cases across the country.

In the same 24-hour period, 1,264 new suspected measles cases and 73 confirmed infections were recorded, highlighting the continued spread of the disease.

The DGHS said that since 15 March, a total of 7,929 confirmed measles cases have been reported, while suspected cases have risen to 56,586 nationwide.

During the same period, 77 deaths have been confirmed from measles, while 398 additional deaths have been recorded among suspected cases. Health officials said investigations are ongoing to verify causes of death in suspected cases.

So far, 40,090 patients have recovered from the disease, the bulletin added.

Health experts have described the situation as alarming due to the rapid increase in both suspected and confirmed infections as well as fatalities, particularly among children.

In response to the worsening outbreak, the government has cancelled weekly holidays and earned leave for doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers to ensure adequate medical response and strengthen outbreak control measures.

Authorities said emergency measures are being intensified to contain the spread of measles and improve treatment capacity in affected areas.