The measles situation in Bangladesh is becoming increasingly alarming, with seven more deaths reported across the country in the 24 hours ending Thursday morning. Of the latest fatalities, four were recorded in the Rajshahi division.
According to a press release issued by the Health Emergency Operation Centre and Control Room of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Thursday, the total death toll from suspected and confirmed measles has reached 166 between 15 March and 9 April 2026.
This figure includes 143 suspected cases and 23 laboratory-confirmed deaths. The DGHS noted that the statistics were updated after laboratory tests confirmed several previously suspected deaths.
In the 24-hour period from 8am Wednesday to 8am Thursday, six people died with suspected measles symptoms, with Rajshahi division accounting for four of those fatalities.
Additionally, one death from confirmed measles was recorded in the Dhaka division during the same period.
The country also saw a record 642 laboratory-confirmed infections in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 2,241 since 15 March. During this period, 1,187 new suspected cases were identified nationwide, taking the total number of suspected patients to 12,320.
Regional data indicates that the Dhaka division remains the most affected, with a total of 1,141 confirmed cases, followed by Rajshahi division with 741. In the last 24 hours alone, 504 suspected cases were identified in Dhaka and 225 in Rajshahi.
To date, 8,251 suspected patients have been hospitalised, while 5,801 individuals have recovered and been discharged.
The integrated control centre of the DGHS is currently monitoring the situation around the clock and working to ensure proper medical treatment for those infected. Health authorities have advised citizens to contact the nearest health centre immediately if any symptoms of measles appear.
