The measles situation in the country remains alarming, with 16 additional deaths from suspected measles reported in the last 24 hours.
While no deaths were laboratory-confirmed during this specific period, the total number of suspected measles fatalities since 15 March has reached 442, with 86 deaths officially confirmed through lab tests.
According to a press release issued on Sunday by the integrated control centre of the Health Emergency Operation Centre & Control Room of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 1,306 suspected measles patients were identified between 8am on 23 May and 8am on 24 May.
Of these, 128 cases were laboratory-confirmed.
From 15 March to 24 May 2026, the cumulative number of suspected cases in the country has risen to 63,813, while 8,622 cases have been confirmed.
Divisional statistics reveal that Dhaka Division is experiencing the highest prevalence and mortality rates. Of the total 442 suspected deaths, 174 occurred in Dhaka Division alone. In the last 24 hours, the division recorded 570 suspected cases, 93 confirmed cases, and 10 deaths.
At the district level, Dhaka reported the highest daily toll with eight deaths. Other fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours include two in Mymensingh and one each in Rajshahi, Sylhet, Barisal, and Rangpur.
Hospital admissions remain high, with 1,169 new patients admitted with measles symptoms in the last 24 hours, while 1,203 were discharged. So far, 50,558 patients have been hospitalised since the outbreak began, and 46,214 have recovered and returned home.
Meanwhile, the National Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026 is ongoing across the country. Health data show that vaccination coverage has surpassed the national target.
Against a target of 18,015,064 children, a total of 18,438,984 have been vaccinated, achieving 102 per cent coverage. Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions recorded 103 per cent coverage, while Sylhet reached 99 per cent.
In city corporation areas, 1,905,950 children have been vaccinated out of a target of 2,015,289, reflecting 106 per cent coverage. Gazipur City Corporation recorded the highest rate at 113 per cent, followed by Dhaka North and Rajshahi City Corporations at 109 per cent, while Rangpur City Corporation recorded the lowest at 97 per cent.
