More than 1,100 deaths reported as Bangladesh battles devastating measles outbreak

More than 1,100 people, predominantly children, are now believed to have died during Bangladesh’s worsening measles outbreak, making it one of the most severe resurgences of the disease recorded globally in recent years.

The reported total includes both laboratory-confirmed deaths and fatalities involving suspected measles symptoms. More than 166,000 suspected infections have been recorded since the outbreak began in March, with hospitals struggling to accommodate seriously ill children.

Health experts have linked the crisis to falling vaccination coverage and interruptions to routine immunisation during periods of political instability and vaccine supply problems. Many of those affected are children under five, including babies who were too young to receive their first routine dose.

Bangladesh has responded with an emergency vaccination campaign that has reached nearly 20 million children. However, medical teams continue to face overcrowding and shortages of essential supplies, while the country’s health service is simultaneously managing a serious dengue outbreak.

Measles is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination. It can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation and death, particularly among young children who are malnourished, unvaccinated or unable to obtain timely medical treatment.

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