Bangladesh health authorities confirmed rising measles outbreak cases after 344 children died and thousands showed symptoms nationwide.
DHAKA: Bangladesh is facing growing public health concerns after authorities confirmed that 344 children have died since a nationwide measles outbreak began in March. Health officials said infections and hospital admissions linked to the disease continue to increase across several parts of the country.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, 11 children died during the 24 hours leading up to Sunday morning. Laboratory tests confirmed measles infection in four of those cases, while the remaining children reportedly showed symptoms strongly associated with the disease before their deaths.
Officials stated that since 15 March, confirmed measles infection has been identified in 65 children among the total fatalities recorded during the measles outbreak. The remaining deaths were linked to symptoms commonly connected with severe measles complications, including fever, respiratory problems and rash.
Health authorities also reported 282 new confirmed measles cases among children within the past day. In addition, 1,278 children showing symptoms associated with the measles outbreak were admitted to hospitals for observation and treatment during the same period. Medical teams are continuing nationwide monitoring as hospitals face growing pressure from rising patient numbers.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious viral diseases and spreads rapidly in communities with low vaccination coverage. Symptoms commonly include fever, cough, inflamed eyes and skin rash. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, dehydration and other life-threatening complications, particularly among young children.
Bangladesh health officials are urging parents to ensure children receive timely vaccinations as authorities intensify awareness campaigns and emergency healthcare responses. Public health experts warn that improving immunisation rates remains critical to controlling the measles outbreak and preventing further child deaths in the coming weeks.
