Bangladesh is facing a worsening measles outbreak, with five more children succumbing to the disease and related symptoms, bringing the total confirmed and suspected deaths to 565 since March 15. The Directorate General of Health Services in Dhaka disclosed that these deaths occurred within a 24-hour period. Among the recent fatalities, all five cases were confirmed as measles, with no suspected cases reported, as per Bangladeshi media outlet UNB.
The number of confirmed measles-related deaths has now climbed to 88, while suspected deaths stand at 477. Over the past day, there were 826 new suspected measles cases recorded, pushing the total suspected cases to 67,905. Additionally, 51 new confirmed cases were reported, raising the total to 8,885 during the same period.
Despite the conclusion of a special measles-rubella vaccination drive on May 20, Bangladesh continues to witness a surge in measles cases and fatalities across the country. Public health experts and physicians have cautioned that mass gatherings, long-distance travel, and family visits during Eid holidays could exacerbate the spread of measles. Families with young children are advised to avoid unnecessary gatherings, limit movement, and adhere to preventive measures to curb transmission risks, especially with the approaching hot season.
Health Minister Sakhawat Husain highlighted the contagious nature of measles and warned against unrestricted Eid travel and crowded public transport, which could facilitate disease transmission. Emphasizing that vaccination reduces but does not eliminate the risk, he stressed the importance of social distancing and public awareness as crucial preventive measures.
