Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka

Dhaka, May 27: Bangladesh’s worsening measles outbreak continues to raise alarm, with five more children dying from suspected symptoms of the disease in the past 24 hours, taking the overall death toll to 560 since March 15 this year, according to health authorities.

Data released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) showed that two of the latest deaths were reported from the Dhaka division, while other fatalities were recorded in different parts of the country.

According to local media reports, confirmed measles-related deaths have now reached 88, while 472 additional suspected deaths are under investigation.

The outbreak continues to spread rapidly across Bangladesh, with the DGHS recording 1,056 new suspected cases in the last 24 hours alone. This has pushed the total number of suspected infections to 67,079 nationwide.

Authorities also confirmed 62 new laboratory-verified cases during the same period, taking the overall tally of confirmed measles infections to 8,494.

The continued rise in infections and deaths comes despite the completion of the preliminary phase of a month-and-a-half-long nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign on May 20.

Health experts have expressed concern that upcoming Eid-related travel, mass gatherings, and crowded public transport could further accelerate the spread of the highly contagious disease.

Medical professionals have advised families, particularly those with young children, to avoid unnecessary travel and large gatherings while following preventive health measures strictly.

Experts also warned that limited healthcare infrastructure in remote areas remains a major challenge, especially for children who may fall ill while travelling during the holiday season.

FA Asma Khanom, Director of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Bangladesh, urged people to minimise movement wherever possible to reduce transmission risks.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Health Minister Sakhawat Husain recently cautioned that unrestricted Eid travel and overcrowded transport systems could significantly worsen the outbreak.

He stressed that infected or recently recovered children should not be taken to crowded public places or relatives’ homes, noting that while vaccination greatly lowers risk, it does not provide complete immunity.

Health authorities continue to emphasise the importance of vaccination, public awareness, social distancing, and early medical attention as the country struggles to contain one of its most serious measles outbreaks in recent years.