Bangladesh is facing a rapidly escalating measles outbreak, with cases spreading to 56 districts and a growing number of fatalities raising serious public health concerns. In the past 24 hours, four children have died in Tangail, Chapainawabganj, Kushtia, and Mymensingh, deepening anxiety among parents and healthcare workers alike.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting children, can infect unvaccinated individuals of any age. Health experts cite gaps in routine immunization and a lack of public awareness as key factors driving the surge. Hospitals nationwide, including in Dhaka, are witnessing long queues in outpatient departments, with the majority of patients aged between newborn and two years. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, rash, and breathing difficulties.
At an infectious disease hospital in Gazipur, five-month-old Minhaj was placed on the floor by his mother, Moni Akter, due to bed shortages. His red rashes spread rapidly, while overcrowded and unhygienic conditions intensified his suffering. In the same ward, Mariam from Bhola and Jesica from Narsingdi are receiving treatment for measles and chickenpox, respectively. Families have expressed deep concern, urging the government to take stronger action.
According to reports, four children died with measles-like symptoms in the last 24 hours. The DGHS, however, confirmed three deaths. Overall, 94 children have died with measles-like symptoms over the past 19 days, although only nine cases have been laboratory-confirmed as measles. During the same period, 711 children tested positive for the measles virus. Between March 15 and April 3, 5,792 children were hospitalized nationwide with suspected measles, of which 771 cases were confirmed. Dhaka division has reported the highest number of infections, followed by Rajshahi, Mymensingh, and Barishal divisions.
In the last 24 hours alone, 947 new patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals, of which 42 cases were confirmed. The highest number-18-was reported in Dhaka division, while no new infections were recorded in Mymensingh division.
The WHO has identified an "immunity gap" caused by disruptions in routine childhood vaccination programs over the past two years as the primary cause of the outbreak. The organization emphasized the need for immediate emergency vaccination campaigns targeting children aged six months to five years, along with strengthened surveillance, early detection, improved treatment, and public awareness programs.
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain announced that a nationwide measles vaccination drive will begin on Sunday, covering children aged six months to 10 years until full coverage is achieved. Experts stress that timely vaccination remains the most effective protection against the disease and urge parents to ensure their children are immunized without delay.
With infections rising sharply to 16.8 cases per million people-up from less than one per million between 2022 and 2025-several districts and city areas have emerged as hotspots. While the outbreak has yet to reach some areas, including Rangamati, Bagerhat, Meherpur, Joypurhat, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, Panchagarh, and Bandarban, authorities warn that all regions remain at risk without immediate intervention.
Officials believe that with prompt action, increased awareness, and strengthened immunization efforts, the outbreak can be brought under control, protecting children from a highly preventable but potentially deadly disease.
