Bangladesh is facing a severe measles outbreak: at least 86 children have died from confirmed infections and 426 more deaths involve children with measles-like symptoms, pushing suspected and confirmed deaths above 500. Authorities report 62,507 suspected cases and 8,494 lab-confirmed infections between March 15 and May 23. The government has expanded vaccination campaigns, deployed rapid response teams, boosted surveillance and increased vitamin A distribution after WHO warned that falling routine immunisation raised outbreak risk.
Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh: Over 500 Child Deaths; 8,494 Confirmed Cases
FILE PHOTO: A mother holds her measles‑infected child as the child receives treatment at the Infectious Disease Hospital, following an outbreak across the country, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, April 27, 2026. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain/File Photo
Dhaka, May 23 — Bangladesh is confronting one of its worst measles outbreaks in decades. Health authorities say at least 86 children have died from laboratory-confirmed measles this year, and a further 426 deaths have been reported in children showing symptoms consistent with the disease, bringing the total suspected and confirmed deaths above 500.
Cases have surged in recent months, overwhelming hospitals and placing severe strain on fragile healthcare services, particularly in rural districts and densely populated low-income urban neighbourhoods.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, authorities identified 62,507 suspected measles cases nationwide and 8,494 laboratory-confirmed infections between March 15 and May 23.
An illustration provides a 3D graphical representation of a spherical-shaped, measles virus particle studded with glycoprotein tubercles in this handout image obtained by Reuters April 9, 2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Handout via REUTERS
Children under five are the most vulnerable to severe illness and death, especially those who are unvaccinated or only partially immunised. Health officials warn that low routine immunisation coverage has raised the risk of a widespread outbreak.
World Health Organization: Declining routine immunisation coverage increases the risk of large-scale measles outbreaks.
In response, the government has expanded emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaigns targeting young children. Authorities have also deployed rapid response teams, strengthened disease surveillance and increased distribution of vitamin A to reduce complications from infection.
Measles is among the world’s most contagious diseases but is largely preventable with two doses of vaccine. Continued vaccination drives and strengthened routine immunisation are critical to control the outbreak and protect young children.
Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Andrew Heavens.
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