Measles Outbreak: 12 More Children Die as Toll Hits 451

Bangladesh reported 12 more child deaths linked to measles and suspected measles symptoms in the last 24 hours, bringing the nationwide toll to 451 since mid-March.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) bulletin released Friday, four of the latest deaths were confirmed measles cases, while eight children died showing symptoms of the disease. Since March 15, the country has recorded 74 confirmed measles fatalities and 377 deaths with suspected symptoms.

Dhaka remains the worst-hit region, accounting for 150 symptomatic deaths, followed by Rajshahi Division with 78.

The DGHS also reported 111 new confirmed cases in the last 24 hours. During this period, 1,192 patients sought hospital care for symptoms, resulting in 1,016 new admissions. Dhaka saw the highest influx with 422 admissions, while Rangpur recorded the lowest with seven.

Since the outbreak began two months ago, the total number of suspected measles patients has reached 55,611, with 7,421 cases officially confirmed through laboratory testing.