6 more die in measles as cases spike by 1,268 in a single day

Six people have died of measles across Bangladesh in the last 24 hours, including in the capital, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed on Sunday, 12 April.

Of the six fatalities, four have been confirmed as measles-related deaths, while two occurred among patients with suspected measles infection, according to the latest situation report issued by the Health Directorate.

In the 24-hour period from 8 am on April 11 to 8 am on April 12, health authorities identified 1,268 new suspected measles cases nationwide. Of these, 150 patients were laboratory-confirmed as having contracted the virus.

The DGHS urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to seek immediate medical attention for children exhibiting symptoms such as high fever, rash, cough, runny nose or red eyes.

Since March 15, when the current outbreak began to escalate, the total number of suspected measles cases has reached 15,653. Of these, 2,639 have been confirmed through laboratory testing.

The outbreak has claimed 179 lives to date: 28 among confirmed measles patients and 151 among those with suspected infection.

Health officials have reiterated calls for families to ensure children receive the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine, which remains the most effective protection against the disease. Special vaccination campaigns are ongoing in several districts with high case concentrations.