Health Desk — A devastating measles outbreak continues to sweep across Bangladesh, with the total number of child fatalities nearing the 800 mark in just over four months.
According to the latest situational report released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Tuesday, four more children succumbed to measles and related complications in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday morning.
This brings the total death toll to 797 since the outbreak escalated on March 15.
The crisis has intensified rapidly over the past month. The death toll crossed 700 on June 26, reaching 702.
In the 26 days since that grim milestone, nearly 100 more children have lost their lives, underscoring the relentless spread of the highly contagious viral disease.
Of the four recent fatalities, two were reported from the Sylhet division, while the Rajshahi and Mymensingh divisions recorded one death each. Healthcare facilities across the country are facing immense pressure.
At major referral centers, such as the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute in Dhaka, wards are packed with distressed parents seeking urgent care for children suffering from high fevers and severe skin rashes.
Surge in Infections and Hospitalizations
The epidemic shows little sign of slowing down. In the last 24 hours alone, 1,018 new children were identified with measles or its symptoms, with 130 cases officially confirmed via laboratory testing.
Accumulated data from the DGHS paints a sobering picture of the public health challenge:
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Total Transmissions: 134,156 children have suffered from measles or related symptoms since March 15.
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Confirmed Measles Cases: 14,708 cases have been definitively diagnosed.
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Hospital Admissions: A staggering 102,244 children required hospitalization due to severe complications.
On a positive note, public health infrastructure has managed to successfully treat and discharge 98,411 children, who have since returned home fully recovered.
However, medical experts warn that the gap in routine immunization coverage, exacerbated by seasonal vulnerabilities, remains a primary driver behind this sudden spike.
Health authorities are reportedly bolstering vaccination drives in high-risk divisions to curb further transmission.