Bangladesh Battles Severe Measles Outbreak, Nearly 1,000 Dead
Dhaka, Bangladesh is facing its worst measles outbreak in decades, with more than 166,000 suspected cases recorded so far this year and the death toll approaching 1,000, according to the Directorate General of Health Services. The World Health Organization has classified the situation as a national high-risk crisis.All 64 districts and eight divisions have reported…
Dhaka, Bangladesh is facing its worst measles outbreak in decades, with more than 166,000 suspected cases recorded so far this year and the death toll approaching 1,000, according to the Directorate General of Health Services. The World Health Organization has classified the situation as a national high-risk crisis.
All 64 districts and eight divisions have reported transmission, with dense informal settlements in Dhaka emerging as key hotspots. Children under five account for roughly 80% of cases, while infants under nine months — too young for routine vaccination — make up about a third of infections. Health officials attribute the crisis largely to disruptions in routine immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent vaccine shortages, noting the country has fallen short of the 95% two-dose coverage needed for herd immunity.
The government has launched an emergency campaign, backed by UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi, aiming to vaccinate nearly 18 million children through community centers, schools, and door-to-door outreach. Even so, health facilities in worst-hit districts are becoming strained under rising patient loads.
