Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has continued to deepen, with the death toll reaching 610 as of early June, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.
The latest DGHS health bulletin reported that five more children died from measles and measles-like syndrome over a 24-hour period, raising the total death toll this year to 610. Of those deaths, 91 children died from laboratory-confirmed measles infections, while another 519 died after exhibiting symptoms consistent with measles, although laboratory confirmation was not available in all cases.
Since mid-March, Bangladesh has recorded 9,500 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, while the total number of suspected infections has reached more than 76,800 nationwide, according to official data.
Health authorities reported that 1,168 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the country over the most recent 24-hour reporting period. Hospitals in major urban centres, including Dhaka, have reported increasing pressure on healthcare facilities.
Despite the surge in cases, recovery rates remain significant. According to DGHS data, more than 58,000 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals after receiving treatment.
Public health experts have warned that disruptions in routine immunisation programmes, vaccine hesitancy and gaps in healthcare access can contribute to outbreaks. The World Health Organization has repeatedly stressed that maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to preventing large-scale measles transmission.
Bangladesh has historically achieved strong childhood immunisation rates through its Expanded Programme on Immunization. However, the current outbreak has raised concerns about immunity gaps in certain communities and the need for intensified vaccination campaigns.
Health authorities are continuing surveillance efforts and urging parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop symptoms associated with measles.