Measles outbreak: Death toll reaches 453 as 2 more children die in 24hrs
During the same period, 961 patients with measles-like symptoms were reported across the country.
Two children died from suspected measles infections between 8am yesterday and 8am today (16 May), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
During the same period, 961 patients with measles-like symptoms were reported across the country.
Increasing ICU facilities alone will not be enough to contain the measles outbreak. The situation can be brought under control within a week if infection prevention and proper treatment are ensured.
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Among them, 108 cases were laboratory-confirmed as measles.
So far this year, 74 children have died from confirmed measles infections in Bangladesh, while another 379 children have died with symptoms consistent with the disease.
Data from the DGHS shows that 7,524 measles cases were confirmed through laboratory testing between 15 March and 16 May.
According to the latest health bulletin, 56,572 suspected measles cases have been identified nationwide, of which 36,645 patients have already been discharged after treatment.
'ICU expansion alone will not solve the crisis'
Public health expert Dr M Mushtuq Husain has warned that increasing ICU facilities alone would not be enough to contain the measles outbreak unless urgent preventive measures are taken.
Speaking at a press conference titled "Child deaths from measles: Public health crisis and the way forward" at the Dhaka Reporters Unity today, he said the situation could be brought under control within a week if infection prevention and proper treatment are ensured.
The event was organised by Doctors for Health and Environment.
Mushtuq Husain alleged that negligence by the interim government contributed to the current situation, adding that the current authorities could not avoid responsibility for failing to ensure adequate treatment facilities, ICU support and accessible healthcare services.
The organisation also said the interim government and health administration could not evade responsibility for the deaths of more than 400 children linked to the outbreak.
At the conference, the organisation's former general secretary Dr M H Faruquee said delays in vaccine procurement and stock shortages were major reasons behind the crisis.
He alleged that no funds had been released for vaccine procurement since December 2024, leading to serious shortages because of procedural complications in purchasing and storing vaccines.
Faruquee also claimed that the suspension of vitamin A capsule distribution programmes for children aged six months to five years increased the risk of deaths from measles. "Vitamin A plays a very effective role in preventing complications caused by measles," he said.
The Doctors for Health and Environment placed a 15-point demand at the conference, including strengthening nationwide vaccination campaigns, establishing measles corners in government hospitals, ensuring medicine supplies, resuming regular vitamin A distribution and identifying those responsible for negligence in vaccine management.
