Bangladesh’s combined death toll from confirmed measles and suspected measles cases has surpassed 1,000, with three more deaths reported in the latest 24-hour period.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 100 people have died from confirmed measles and 902 from measles-like symptoms, bringing the total to 1,002 since the health directorate began publishing outbreak data on March 15.
The latest deaths included one in Dhaka Division and two in Mymensingh. Dhaka has recorded the highest number of deaths from measles symptoms at 404, followed by Sylhet with 156.
Meanwhile, 69 new measles cases were confirmed in the 24-hour period. Another 1,119 people with measles symptoms sought hospital treatment, while 1,034 were admitted.
Total hospital admissions have reached 147,393, with 141,819 patients discharged. Suspected cases stand at 167,580, while confirmed cases have reached 19,904.
Experts have attributed the prolonged outbreak to inadequate vaccination coverage and the absence of clear measles management guidelines. They have also called for antibody testing to determine whether vaccinated children have developed sufficient immunity and urged timely action to contain the outbreak.
