Bangladesh measles outbreak deaths reach 1,099

Bangladesh is facing a severe measles outbreak, with the death toll from suspected and confirmed cases reaching 1,099 since March 15. The latest data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported three additional deaths in the past 24 hours, occurring in the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.

Since the start of the outbreak, the country has recorded 189,255 suspected cases and 21,308 confirmed cases. The Dhaka division has been the most heavily impacted, reporting 80,144 suspected cases and 13,203 confirmed cases. In total, 167,469 patients have been hospitalized during this period.

In response, an urgent public health campaign has been launched to vaccinate children aged six to 59 months who missed previous immunization rounds. The outbreak has affected 58 of the nation’s 64 districts, with children under five accounting for 79 percent of recorded cases. Health authorities are working to bridge immunity gaps to curb the transmission of the highly contagious virus.