Hospitalizations exceed 144,000 as measles outbreak strains Bangladesh health system

The Directorate General of Health Services reported that a total of 144,168 suspected measles patients have been admitted to hospitals across Bangladesh since mid‑March 2026. Out of these, 138,772 patients have recovered and left the facilities.

During the most recent 24‑hour reporting period, three children died with symptoms resembling measles, raising the suspected death count to 894 while confirmed deaths stay at 100. The combined death figure now stands at 994.

New suspected cases reached 1,043, increasing the cumulative suspected tally to 164,148. Laboratory confirmation added 55 cases, pushing verified infections to 19,696.

The prolonged outbreak, now entering its sixth month, continues to challenge the nation’s public‑health resources, prompting calls for accelerated vaccination campaigns and stronger outbreak response strategies.