The death toll from measles and measles-like symptoms in Bangladesh has risen to 601 after seven more children died within the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The figures were published in a regular bulletin issued by the Health Emergency Operation Centre and Control Room on Wednesday, covering the period from 15 March to 3 June, 2026.
Of the total fatalities, 511 were classified as suspected measles-related deaths, while 90 were confirmed through laboratory testing.
In the past 24 hours alone, seven suspected measles-related deaths were reported. No confirmed measles deaths were recorded during the same period.
During the same period, health authorities recorded 1,210 new suspected cases and 55 laboratory-confirmed infections, while 1,130 patients recovered and were discharged from hospitals.
Since the onset of the outbreak, suspected cases have risen to 74,572, while confirmed cases stand at 9,191.
A total of 60,158 patients have been hospitalised, of whom 55,942 have recovered, reflecting a recovery rate of around 93 per cent.
Dhaka division remains the worst affected area, with 35,023 suspected cases and 210 deaths. The division has also recorded 6,426 confirmed cases and 54 confirmed deaths.
Other divisions have also reported significant numbers, including Chattogram with 12,224 suspected cases and 45 deaths; Rajshahi with 6,608 cases and 85 deaths; Barishal with 6,786 cases and 37 deaths; Sylhet with 3,749 cases and 60 deaths; Mymensingh with 3,223 cases and 46 deaths; Khulna with 5,505 cases and 22 deaths; and Rangpur with 1,454 cases and six deaths-the lowest in the country.
The DGHS said the government is continuing implementation of the National Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026 to contain the outbreak.
Although the national target was set at 1.80 crore children, more than 1.84 crore children have already been vaccinated, achieving 102 per cent coverage.
At the city corporation level, vaccination coverage has exceeded targets in most areas, including Gazipur City Corporation, which recorded the highest coverage at 113 per cent.
Dhaka North, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Narayanganj also reported coverage between 105 and 109 per cent, while Rangpur City Corporation remained slightly below target at 99 per cent.
Public health experts say sustained vaccination efforts are crucial to controlling the outbreak and reducing transmission in the coming weeks.
