Health Secretary announces probe into child deaths from measles outbreak

Health Services Division Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury has announced that the government is investigating the causes behind the ongoing measles outbreak and the resulting child fatalities in the country. 

Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled "Measles Outbreak and the Way Forward" at the Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) on Saturday, the secretary emphasized the state's accountability for every loss of life. 

"The state has a responsibility. Every incident needs to be investigated. We are looking into the child deaths caused by measles, and the findings will be shared once the report is finalized," he said. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Health Reporters’ Forum (BHRF).

The investigation comes as the country grapples with a significant surge in infections. According to latest data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), at least 61 children have died from laboratory-confirmed measles so far this year. 

Additionally, 291 children have died from measles-like symptoms, bringing the total death toll to 352.

DGHS statistics show that between March 15 and May 9, lab tests confirmed measles in 6,979 individuals across the country. 

The latest health bulletin further revealed that 47,556 suspected measles cases have been identified nationwide. 

Out of these, 29,746 patients have successfully recovered and been discharged from hospitals after receiving treatment. 

Health authorities remain on high alert as they work to contain the spread of the viral disease.