Measles outbreak nationwide: 676 children infected, 38 dead

Bangladesh is facing a growing measles outbreak, with 676 children hospitalised and 38 reported deaths this year, according to a special source at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Mohakhali Infectious Disease Hospital has seen the highest fatalities with 15 children dead and 600 cases admitted over the past three months.

Professor Prabhat Chandra Biswas of DGHS said Dhaka has the highest number of cases, but infections are also rising in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Pabna, Mymensingh, Gopalganj, and other districts.

Reports of child deaths have also emerged from Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute in Agargaon and regional hospitals.

Experts cite malnutrition and gaps in vaccination as the main causes behind the spread of the measeles.

According to the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), vaccination coverage fell significantly in 2025—first-dose coverage dropped to 85 per cent and second-dose to 82 per cent, below the 90–95 per cent needed to prevent outbreaks. Many children missed vaccines, and special measles vaccination campaigns planned in 2024 did not take place.

A senior official at Shyamalī 250-Bed TB and Asthma Hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that 65 percent of children infected with measles were below the eligible age for vaccination. She explained that the measles vaccine is usually administered at nine months of age. Measles is highly contagious, with one infected person capable of transmitting the virus to up to 18 others. If the vaccine is given, immunity typically develops within 10 days, and for those previously vaccinated, protection develops within five to six days. Therefore, he emphasised the urgent need to ensure children are brought under the vaccination programme as quickly as possible.

Dr. Mohammad Shahriar Sajjad, deputy director of EPI, said sufficient vaccine stocks—including measles—are available until 2029, under co-financing agreements with GAVI. This year, GAVI covers 49 per cent of the cost, with the Bangladesh government covering 51 per cent.

Rajshahi Medical College Hospital reported 102 children admitted with measles symptoms as of March 30, with 65 per cent under nine months old. In the past three months, 270 children were hospitalised.

Health experts warned that delayed vaccination could accelerate the spread, and urgent action is needed before the planned June immunization campaign to prevent more child fatalities.