Minister Claims Zero Measles Deaths, Hospitals Report New Fatalities
Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain
The Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain has claimed that the death rate from measles in the country has dropped to zero. He said no confirmed measles-related deaths have occurred in the past week, and deaths with measles symptoms have fallen below five.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion organized by the National Tobacco Control Cell on Monday, marking World No Tobacco Day. On the same day, the Directorate General of Health Services reported that four children had died from measles in the past 24 hours, from 8 am Sunday to 8 am Monday. Among them, one was confirmed to have died from measles, while three others died with measles symptoms.
According to DGHS data, the total number of deaths from measles and measles-related symptoms has risen to 656 as of Monday. Of these, 93 were confirmed measles deaths, while 563 were classified as deaths with measles symptoms. In the past 24 hours alone, 64 new confirmed measles cases were detected. So far, a total of 10,387 people have been confirmed infected with measles.
During the same period, 1,036 people showed measles or measles-like symptoms, bringing the total number of suspected infections to 86,923. Combined confirmed and suspected cases now stand at 97,310.
DGHS reports over the past five days also recorded deaths linked to measles and its symptoms. During this period, 16 children died with measles symptoms, while one death was confirmed as measles-related.
Amid this situation, experts have questioned the minister’s claim of a 'zero death rate.' They say that when families continue to lose children every day, it is difficult to describe the situation as having zero mortality.
Public health experts said such conclusions based on a few days of data are not scientifically sound. They noted that past outbreaks have shown temporary declines followed by sudden resurgences. They added that more time is needed to determine whether the situation has truly stabilized.
Experts further said that assessing the true picture of measles requires evaluating not only confirmed deaths but also deaths with symptoms, as many of those cases may later be linked to measles.
Meanwhile, hospitals across the country continue to report pressure from measles patients. Hospital sources said many facilities face shortages of pediatric beds, intensive care units (ICU), and essential medical equipment. Parents are still seen waiting with sick children in hospital corridors and on floors due to lack of space.
At the Measles Isolation Ward of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, doctors are working with limited resources. Assistant Registrar of the Pediatric Department and in-charge of the isolation ward, Dr. Mazharul Amin, said that due to a shortage of ICU facilities for children, severely ill patients with respiratory distress are being treated using an alternative method called 'bubble CPAP.' The device, locally made using plastic water bottles, helps support breathing in newborns and children.
Chattogram Medical College Hospital is also under pressure from measles patients and is unable to provide adequate ICU support. Hospital authorities said the PICU has 15 beds for measles patients, which is far below the requirement for around 140 admitted children. As a result, at least seven to eight patients remain on a waiting list for ICU admission at any given time. Beds become available only when a child improves and is shifted to a general ward or when a death occurs.
Hospital Director Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin said, “Measles cases have not decreased yet. On average, 25 to 30 patients are being admitted every day. We have 15 ICU beds, and they remain full. Patients cannot be removed from ICU, so we have to wait.”
Public health expert Dr. Mushtaq Hossain said that even if measles deaths remain below 10 for a few days, it cannot yet be confirmed that the situation is fully under control or that the death rate has permanently declined. He said epidemiological assessment requires monitoring the situation for at least one to two more weeks. Only after analyzing data can any conclusion be made about whether the death rate has decreased. He added that if the minister made such a statement, it was likely based on a temporary observation of the situation.
