Over 100 children killed as measles outbreak spreads to 7 districts

A deadly measles outbreak has spread across at least seven districts in Bangladesh, raising serious public health concerns, officials said.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the highest infection rates have been reported in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Pabna, Chattogram, Jashore, and Natore.

Health experts attribute the surge to gaps in vaccination coverage and weak surveillance, warning that the situation could worsen if urgent measures are not taken.

At a parliamentary committee meeting on Sunday (March 29), the Health Ministry reported that more than 100 children have died in the recent outbreak. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said the issue has been brought to the attention of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

He added that the prime minister has directed two ministers to assess the situation nationwide and take action against those responsible.

Doctors say measles primarily affects children, initially causing fever followed by a red rash that spreads across the body. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia and diarrhoea can prove fatal.

Authorities said all government medical colleges and district hospitals have been placed on alert, with special arrangements made at key hospitals in the capital to handle the rising number of cases.