Bangladesh Measles Outbreak Death Toll Crosses 580 After Two More Child Fatalities

Bangladesh has reported two more child deaths linked to measles-like symptoms during the 24-hour period ending at 8 a.m. on Sunday, taking the total number of deaths recorded since March 15 to 585, according to local media reports. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) stated that both of the latest deaths have been classified as suspected cases. According to a report by United News of Bangladesh, the latest fatalities have raised the number of suspected measles-related deaths in the country to 495, while the number of confirmed deaths stands at 90. During the past 24 hours, Bangladesh recorded 1,324 new suspected measles cases, bringing the total number of suspected infections to 70,936. Over the same period, 53 new confirmed measles cases were reported, increasing the total number of confirmed infections to 9,049. The report further stated that since March 15, a total of 56,886 suspected measles patients have been admitted to hospitals across the country. Of these, 52,841 have recovered and been discharged. Meanwhile, local media reported that last week the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said it had repeatedly warned the country's previous interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, about vaccine shortages through written communications and meetings with health ministry officials. UNICEF cautioned that the shortage could lead to a major public health crisis. Addressing a press briefing in Dhaka, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Rana Flowers said the UN agency had sent five to six letters to health authorities regarding the issue. She added that the matter had also been raised during 10 meetings held throughout the tenure of the previous interim government. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation as the country faces a growing number of suspected and confirmed measles cases amid concerns over vaccine availability.