Eight more children have died in Bangladesh after showing measles-like symptoms, health authorities reported on Thursday. The latest fatalities have increased concerns over a nationwide outbreak. Officials said thousands of confirmed and suspected cases are being monitored.
According to the Health Ministry, total deaths linked to measles-like symptoms have reached 779 since mid-March. Of these, 95 deaths were confirmed as measles infections. Authorities reported 197 confirmed cases and 974 suspected infections in the latest 24-hour period.
Read more: Bangladesh measles outbreak kills hundreds as hospitals struggle
The number of confirmed measles cases has now exceeded 14,000, while suspected infections have crossed 115,000. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred in Dhaka. Health officials said the outbreak continues to put pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
Health official Dr Zahid Raihan said many patients reach hospitals 10 to 15 days after infection begins. He explained that some deaths were also linked to pneumonia and malnutrition, which worsened the condition of affected children. He added that measles increased the severity of symptoms.
Read more: Bangladesh measles outbreak kills 194 children
Bangladesh previously achieved herd immunity against measles but lost progress due to declining vaccination coverage, according to the United Nations. Since April, the Health Ministry has vaccinated more than 18 million children. Health experts warn that measles remains highly dangerous, especially for unvaccinated and malnourished children.