7 More Children Die as Cases Surge Nationwide

Bangladesh continues to battle a severe measles outbreak as the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported the deaths of seven more children in the 24 hours ending at 8:00 AM on Friday (May 8).

According to the latest official data, one death was a laboratory-confirmed case of measles, while the remaining six presented with clinical symptoms. These latest fatalities bring the total death toll of confirmed and suspected cases to 343 since the outbreak began on March 15.

The DGHS recorded 282 new laboratory-confirmed cases in the last 24 hours. However, the number of patients seeking hospital care for measles-like symptoms is significantly higher, with 1,494 new admissions reported in the same period.

Since mid-March, the scale of the outbreak has become a major public health concern:

Total Deaths: 343 (58 confirmed, 285 suspected).

Confirmed Infections: 6,490 cases verified through testing.

Symptomatic Cases: Approximately 46,000 people have received hospital treatment for symptoms.

Dhaka Division Worst Hit

The capital and its surrounding districts remain the epicenter of the crisis. Dhaka Division has recorded the highest numbers nationwide, with 77 deaths and over 25,000 symptomatic infections to date.

Health officials are urging parents to ensure children are vaccinated and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as high fever and rashes appear.