Measles Outbreak Claims 17 Lives in Single Day

The country reported 17 deaths from measles and measles-like symptoms in the 24 hours leading up to Monday morning, marking the highest single-day toll since the outbreak began in March this year.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (Directorate General of Health Services), two of the deaths were confirmed measles cases, while the remaining 15 were classified as suspected. Of the suspected fatalities, 10 were reported in Dhaka district alone.

With the latest figures, confirmed measles deaths have risen to 52, while suspected deaths have reached 259 since March 15.

Health data shows 1,302 suspected cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the total suspected infections to 41,793 during the outbreak period. Confirmed cases now stand at 5,467, with 154 new infections reported in the latest update.

So far, 28,832 suspected patients have been hospitalised since March 15, while 25,151 have recovered.

Health authorities said the outbreak remains under close monitoring as vaccination efforts continue, with over 81 percent of children reportedly covered under the measles immunisation programme.