Health Authorities Warn of Growing Measles Risk as Vaccination Gaps Persist

Dhaka, July 5 – Public‑health officials have issued a stark warning about the escalating measles threat in Bangladesh. Over the past 24 hours, seven children succumbed to symptoms that match measles, raising the year‑to‑date death toll to 738.

DGHS data distinguishes between 645 deaths from suspected measles and 93 deaths confirmed by laboratory tests. In the latest reporting cycle, 925 new suspected cases were added, taking the total suspected count to 105,618, while 106 additional confirmed cases push the verified total to 12,632.

Hospital admissions for suspected measles have topped 88,844 since March 15, with 85,122 patients already discharged. The health ministry's May campaign aimed to immunise 1.84 crore children, yet gaps remain, especially in remote districts where vaccination teams could not reach every household.

Senior epidemiologists argue that the failure to meet the 95% vaccination goal and lax enforcement of infection‑control measures, such as isolation and quarantine, are allowing the virus to circulate unchecked. They also caution that the upcoming dengue season could further strain the health system and increase mortality among children already weakened by measles.