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Published : 07 Apr 2026, 05:05 PM
A worsening measles outbreak has claimed 11 more lives across Bangladesh over the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll from the virus and related symptoms to 149 since mid-March.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) bulletin released on Tuesday, one patient died of a confirmed measle case while 10 others succumbed to measles-like symptoms between Monday and Tuesday morning.
Since the current outbreak began on Mar 15, 21 deaths have been of laboratory-confirmed cases, while 128 others displayed symptoms of the highly contagious viral disease.
The daily bulletin reported a sharp rise in hospital visits and infections related to measles.
In the 24 hours to at 8am on Tuesday, 1,236 people sought treatment after showing symptoms of the disease.
During the same period, 224 new cases were confirmed through laboratory testing.
Overall, a total of 9,883 people have sought medical care for measles-like symptoms so far, with 1,398 cases officially confirmed through testing, the official bulletin confirmed.
Currently, 5,940 patients remain hospitalised across the country, while 6,016 have been discharged after recovery.
Dhaka and Rajshahi remain the epicentres of the outbreak.
In the latest reporting cycle, the Dhaka Division reported 499 symptomatic cases and 186 confirmed infections -- the highest in the country.
Of the 11 deaths reported on Tuesday, nine occurred in the Dhaka Division, including six in the Dhaka District alone.
In terms of cumulative fatalities since Mar 15, Rajshahi Division leads with 58 deaths, followed closely by Dhaka with 51.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Ministry of Health launched an emergency vaccination campaign last Friday. The programme focuses on 30 Upazilas identified as "hotspots", where the infection rate is highest.
