Measles outbreak in Bangladesh claims five more lives as death toll climbs to 560
Dhaka, May 27
As an escalating measles outbreak continues to unfold in Bangladesh, five more children died from the symptoms of the disease on Wednesday, raising the total death toll to 560 since March 15 this year, local media reported.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the deaths were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday morning.
Among the suspected fatalities, the highest number - two deaths - were recorded in the Dhaka division, Bangladeshi media outlet UNB reported.
Reports suggest that the number of confirmed deaths surged to 88, while suspected deaths reached 472.
The DGHS recorded a total of 1,056 suspected measles cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the overall tally of suspected cases to 67,079.
Additionally, 62 new confirmed cases were reported, increasing the total to 8,494 during the same period.
Amid the worsening health crisis in Bangladesh, the measles cases and deaths continue to rise across the country despite the conclusion of the preliminary phase for the one-and-a-half-month special measles-rubella vaccination drive on May 20, Bangladesh's leading newspaper, The Daily Star, reported.
The data from DGHS showed that daily cases exceeded 1,000 per day throughout this month with exceptions only on May 9, 16 and 23.
Public health experts and physicians warned that mass gatherings, long-distance travel and family visits during Eid holidays could further accelerate the spread of the measles.
They advised families with young children to avoid unnecessary gatherings, restrict movement and adhere to the preventive measures, cautioning that hot season may intensify the transmission risks.
Experts noted that the lack of adequate treatment facilities in remote areas remains a serious concern, especially for children who may fall sick while travelling.
"In this situation, it is best for people to stay where they are. Unnecessary movement should be limited as much as possible," Bangladesh's leading daily, Dhaka Tribune, quoted the Director of the Infectious Diseases Hospital, FA Asma Khanom, as saying.
Addressing a programme at the Secretariat in Dhaka last week, Bangladesh's Health Minister Sakhawat Husain warned that unrestricted Eid travel and crowded public transport could fuel transmission of measles.
Stressing the contagious nature of measles, Husain urged families not to expose infected or recently recovered children to crowded public spaces or relatives' homes.
He added that while vaccination significantly reduces the risk, it does not provide 100 per cent protection, noting that social distancing and public awareness remain key preventive measures.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's 2024 and we're still seeing this many deaths from a vaccine-preventable disease. The real issue here is health infrastructure and the lack of access in remote areas. The advice to avoid Eid travel makes sense from a public health perspective, but for many families, family gatherings are non-negotiable. Bangladesh needs a massive awareness campaign alongside the vaccination drive. India should offer technical or logistical support if needed — this virus doesn't respect borders.
The fact that daily cases are still above 1,000 even after a vaccination drive shows how deep this crisis is. I feel for the healthcare workers on the ground — they must be exhausted. Also, the mention of Eid travel is a major concern; we saw how religious gatherings spread COVID in India. Let's hope Bangladesh's health minister's warnings are heeded. 🙏
Respectfully, I think the focus should also be on improving rural healthcare infrastructure. The article mentions lack of treatment facilities in remote areas — this is a classic problem in our part of the world. Bangladesh and India share similar challenges. We need more primary health centers that can handle outbreaks. Just vaccinating is not enough if there's no follow-up care for children who do fall sick.
Such a tragedy. 560 children gone — each one a family's world. 😔 The health ministry's warning about social distancing even after vaccination is important. Many people think once you're vaccinated you're immune, but the article says it's not 100% protection. This is a lesson for all of us. I hope the Modi government is monitoring the situation at the India-Bangladesh border and ensuring proper screening and vaccination for migrant populations.
L We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.