Bangladesh Measles Death Toll Reaches 620 As Outbreak Deepens

Bangladesh’s measles outbreak continues to worsen, with seven more children dying from measles-like symptoms in the 24 hours ending at 8 AM on Sunday, according to health authorities.

The latest fatalities raised the country’s total confirmed and suspected measles-related death toll to 620.

Data released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) showed that all seven recent deaths were classified as suspected measles cases.

As a result, the number of suspected measles deaths increased to 529, while confirmed deaths remained unchanged at 91.

The outbreak also recorded a sharp rise in infections.

Health officials reported 1,221 new suspected cases during the same period, taking the total number of suspected cases to 79,012.

Authorities also confirmed 66 additional measles infections, raising the total confirmed caseload to 9,686.

Since March 15, hospitals across Bangladesh have admitted 64,263 suspected measles patients. Of these, 60,084 individuals have recovered, according to DGHS figures.

Last month, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) revealed that it had repeatedly warned Bangladesh’s previous interim government about vaccine shortages. Muhammad Yunus led the interim administration.

UNICEF said the shortages could trigger a major public health crisis.

Speaking at a press briefing in Dhaka, UNICEF Representative Rana Flowers outlined the organisation’s efforts to raise the issue. She said UNICEF sent five to six letters to health authorities.

The organisation also discussed the matter during 10 separate meetings with officials.

Flowers stated that UNICEF had consistently warned the government from 2024 onwards that vaccine shortages could lead to a serious outbreak. She said officials were repeatedly advised to place vaccine orders, but the required action did not follow.

According to Flowers, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban also raised concerns about vaccine availability. He discussed the issue with Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry during his visit in August last year.

Flowers said UNICEF would provide evidence to support the investigation into the outbreak. She added that the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government had launched the probe.

The growing health emergency has intensified scrutiny of vaccine procurement and public health preparedness as authorities continue efforts to contain the spread of the disease.

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