94 Child Deaths Reported, Health System Activates Emergency Response

A total of 94 children have died across the country with measles symptoms over the past 19 days, authorities have reported. However, laboratory tests have so far confirmed 9 deaths caused by measles. During the same period, the presence of measles has been confirmed in 711 children nationwide.

These details were disclosed today (Friday) in a press release issued by the Directorate General of Health Services. The statement also presented an overall picture of the current measles situation in the country.

According to the release, since 15 March, a total of 5,792 children have been admitted to hospitals across the country with suspected measles. Among them, 771 cases have been confirmed through testing. The highest number of patients has been reported in the Dhaka Division, where 318 children have been infected.

Analysis of data from the Directorate General of Health Services shows that in the past 24 hours, 947 new children with measles symptoms have been admitted to hospitals across the country. Of them, 42 cases have been confirmed, including the highest number—18—in the Dhaka Division. No new measles cases were identified in the Mymensingh Division during this period.

According to divisional statistics, after Dhaka, the second-highest number of new cases—8—was recorded in the Rajshahi Division in the past 24 hours. Additionally, 5 cases each were detected in the Khulna and Sylhet Divisions, and 4 in Chattogram. Barishal and Rangpur Divisions each reported 1 new case.

Meanwhile, an official order signed by Professor Dr. Jalal Uddin Mohammad Rumi, Director (Administration) of the Directorate General of Health Services, stated that due to the outbreak of measles-related pneumonia among children, all types of leave (earned leave and casual leave) for doctors, officers, staff, and healthcare workers at all levels under the Directorate and its affiliated health institutions have been suspended/cancelled during this emergency period. This measure aims to ensure uninterrupted medical services and the provision of measles vaccination.

According to health experts, after the measles virus enters the body, it takes at least 10–14 days for symptoms to appear, making it difficult to determine when and from whom the infection was transmitted. Initial symptoms include runny nose, cough, high fever (103–105°F), red eyes with watering, and the appearance of small white spots inside the cheeks, known as Koplik spots. These symptoms usually last for 4–7 days.

The most visible sign of measles is a red skin rash. The rash typically begins 7–18 days after infection, first appearing on the face and upper neck, then spreading across the body within about 3 days, eventually reaching the hands and feet. The rash usually lasts 5–6 days before gradually fading.

Most measles patients recover completely within 7–10 days from the onset of the disease and develop lifelong immunity, making reinfection unlikely. After infection, the human body produces antibodies against the hemagglutinin (H) protein, which helps prevent future infections.

DBTech/DHE/MUIM/OR