Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh Claims Nearly 750 Lives

Measles has claimed nearly 750 lives in Bangladesh since the outbreak began in March, with two children dying in the latest reported day, according to official sources. The total death toll has reached 746, with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirming 93 child deaths directly from measles and another 653 deaths with symptoms consistent with the disease.

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The country has registered almost 13,200 confirmed measles cases and other 109,000 suspected cases, reaching a joint figure of more than 122,000.

Since March 15, Bangladesh has registered almost 13,200 confirmed measles cases and over 109,000 suspected cases, bringing the combined total to more than 122,000. Public health experts point to a cumulative failure in achieving herd immunity among young children through vaccination over past years as the root cause of the current widespread outbreak.

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The outbreak is the cumulative result of years of failure to achieve herd immunity among young children through vaccination.

Despite the high number of cases and deaths, the government claims to have vaccinated 18.5 million children since April, achieving "103% of the planned coverage." Measles is described as an acute and highly contagious viral illness.

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103% of the planned coverage