Seven More Children Die in Bangladesh Measles Surge, Toll Hits 488
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Bangladesh is facing a growing measles emergency as seven children died overnight, pushing the death toll to 488 since 15 March. Four deaths were classified as suspected measles cases and three were laboratory confirmed, with Chittagong reporting the highest number of new fatalities. Health officials have documented 405 suspected and 83 confirmed deaths during the current outbreak period.
Infections continue to climb, with 1,423 new suspected cases bringing the total to 59,279 and 208 confirmed cases increasing the overall confirmed total to 8,275. More than 46,400 patients have been admitted to hospitals, and over 42,300 have been discharged after recovery.
The United Nations Children’s Fund has accused previous authorities of ignoring repeated warnings about vaccine shortages. UNICEF claims it sent multiple letters and held ten meetings with health ministry officials between 2024 and 2026, yet vaccines were never ordered. The agency’s representative said UNICEF stands ready to assist in any current government probe into the handling of the crisis.
