Special Correspondent; DHAKA – A surge in measles cases across Bangladesh has reached an alarming level, with 166 children dying from the disease and related symptoms in the last 26 days. During this period, 14,561 children have sought hospital treatment for symptoms, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Current Situation and Statistics
While 2,241 cases have been laboratory-confirmed, the number of symptomatic patients is five times higher. Of the confirmed deaths, 23 were laboratory-proven, but the total death toll including suspected cases has reached 166.
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Most Affected Area: Dhaka Division leads with 1,141 cases (50% of confirmed cases).
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Second Highest: Rajshahi Division with 741 cases (33%).
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Deaths by Division: Dhaka (10), Barishal (5), Rajshahi (3), Chattogram (3), and Mymensingh (2).
Professor Halimur Rashid, Director of Disease Control (DGHS), stated that most patients arriving with fever and cough are being treated as suspected cases, with only the most critical patients being hospitalized and tested.
Highly Contagious: Risks for Children
Medical experts warn that measles is highly infectious; one infected child can spread the virus to up to 70 others. Children aged one month to five years are at the highest risk, particularly those who are malnourished or unvaccinated.
Public health expert Dr. Mushtaq Hussain noted that while the situation is concerning, a full-scale pandemic is unlikely due to existing high vaccination coverage among those born after 1990.
Latest 24-Hour Update
In the last 24 hours, seven more children have died. Six of these deaths showed symptoms, while one was a confirmed case. During this period:
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1,187 children sought treatment for symptoms.
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642 new cases were identified.
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674 children were hospitalized.
Hospital Reports from Across the Country
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Mymensingh: Two children died at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) in the last 24 hours. 76 children are currently admitted to the isolation ward.
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Faridpur: Two 7-month-old infants died at Faridpur Medical College Hospital.
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Sylhet: A 5-month-old infant died in the ICU at Osmani Medical College Hospital.
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Habiganj & Joypurhat: Hospital admissions are rising, with specialized isolation wards being prepared to handle the influx of patients.
Health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective defense against the outbreak.