DHAKA, BANGLADESH / MENA Newswire / — Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has crossed 60,000 suspected cases and moved to the brink of 500 child deaths, according to the latest figures attributed to the Directorate General of Health Services. The national count since March 15 stands at 60,540 suspected measles cases, 8,329 laboratory-confirmed cases and 499 confirmed or suspected deaths, keeping the outbreak at the center of the country’s public health response.
Authorities reported 11 additional child deaths in the 24 hours to 8 a.m. Friday, including two confirmed measles deaths and nine deaths involving measles-like symptoms. The cumulative toll includes 85 confirmed measles deaths and 414 suspected deaths. The latest daily update also recorded 1,261 new suspected cases and 54 newly confirmed infections nationwide, extending a rapid rise that has affected hospitals and health services across multiple divisions.
The outbreak, which began accelerating in mid-March, has been concentrated among children, particularly those under five, who are considered the most vulnerable group for severe measles complications. Earlier official outbreak assessments recorded transmission across most districts and all eight divisions of Bangladesh. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to pneumonia, diarrhoea, encephalitis and death, especially among young children with incomplete vaccination or poor nutrition.
Confirmed and suspected deaths near 500
Hospital data show that 47,511 suspected measles patients have been admitted since March 15, while 43,411 have been discharged after treatment. Dhaka has recorded the highest number of deaths, with 210 fatalities reported in the latest local health updates. Health facilities have continued to manage both confirmed measles cases and patients presenting with fever, rash and related symptoms while laboratory testing separates confirmed infections from suspected cases.
The figures place Bangladesh’s measles outbreak among the country’s most serious recent vaccine-preventable disease emergencies. The reported total combines laboratory-confirmed deaths and suspected measles deaths, a distinction health authorities have maintained in public updates. The case count also separates laboratory-confirmed infections from suspected cases, reflecting the scale of clinical surveillance and the number of children reaching hospitals with measles-like illness during the outbreak period.
Vaccination campaign expands amid hospital strain
UNICEF said the emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign was designed to reach children aged 6 to 59 months, regardless of previous vaccination status, with an initial target of more than 17.8 million children. The campaign expanded from high-risk districts to broader national coverage as cases rose. Health workers have administered vaccines through fixed and outreach sites while hospitals continued to receive children requiring treatment for fever, rash, respiratory symptoms and complications.
The latest data leave Bangladesh one reported death short of 500 confirmed and suspected fatalities and already above 60,000 suspected infections since March 15. The outbreak has intensified scrutiny of measles vaccination coverage, hospital readiness and child health risks in densely populated communities. Authorities continue to report daily counts of suspected cases, confirmed infections, admissions, discharges and deaths as the country tracks the spread of measles and related symptoms.