Staff Correspondent ; Dhaka – Five more children have died from measles and related symptoms across Bangladesh in the last 24 hours (from 8:00 AM Friday to 8:00 AM Saturday).
Among the deceased, three children died in Dhaka, one in Rajshahi, and one in Mymensingh. Additionally, 796 new cases with measles symptoms were reported across the country over the past day, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The latest data was revealed in the daily measles situation report released by the DGHS on Saturday. According to the report, the total death toll from measles and related symptoms has now climbed to 642.
Since March 15 of this year, 556 children have died with measles symptoms, while another 92 children died after being laboratory-confirmed with the disease.
The DGHS report further detailed that a total of 84,899 children have exhibited measles symptoms nationwide since March 15. Out of these, 69,606 children were admitted to various hospitals. Following treatment, 65,852 children have fully recovered and returned home.
Public health experts emphasize that measles is a highly contagious disease. They stressed the urgent need to ensure timely vaccination for children and to bring infected individuals under immediate medical care.
The DGHS has also urged parents to remain vigilant and ensure their children receive the scheduled vaccines.
Earlier in April, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning report, classifying the ongoing measles situation in Bangladesh as nationally “high risk”.
According to the WHO report, measles cases in Bangladesh have seen a significant surge since January 2026. The UN agency compiled the report based on data provided by Bangladesh’s ‘National IHR Focal Point’ in early April.
At that time, WHO noted that the highest concentration of cases was being detected in Dhaka’s densely populated areas, including Demra, Jatrabari, Kamrangirchar, Korail, Mirpur, and the Tejgaon industrial and slum zones.