Over the past three weeks, at least 98 children have died due to the measles outbreak in Bangladesh, according to government estimates. This has raised alarm for a public health response. To control the outbreak, the Bangladesh government has launched an immediate vaccination campaign across 18 high-risk districts. The drive will be expanded across Bangladesh by May 3. Data released by the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shows a sharp increase in infections. Health officials confirmed that the fatality and infection rates are higher than last year.

1. In 2026, the number of suspected cases is 6,476, majorly in the age group of 6 months to 5 years

2. Laboratory confirmed cases are 826

3. So far 16 deaths registered due to measles

Parts of Bangladesh most affected

1. Maximum suspected cases of 2394 recorded in Dhaka division

2. 1,243 cases in Rajshahi division

3. 717 cases in Chattogram division

4. 119 cases in Rangpur division

World Health Organisation has confirmed that 56 districts of Bangladesh out of 64 districts have reported measles as of March 28.

Why is Measles Dangerous

This is a highly contagious viral disease; it spreads through sneezing and coughing. Children are the most affected and can suffer irreversible complications, such as pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis (brain inflammation). There is no antiviral, children suffering from measles recover via supportive care. Thus, vaccination is the only preventive care.

The key reason behind the outbreak is the huge gap in immunisation coverage; unvaccinated children are at risk. According to experts, vaccination rates have declined in the past two years. In 2024, the immunisation campaign was missed due to political unrest, and multiple strikes by rural health workers that year affected vaccine delivery.

Political disruption is the reason behind the outbreak

Health department of Bangladesh conducts immunisation drives every four years to vaccinate children who missed vaccination and newborns. Last drive happened in 2020, but the 2024 drive was missed because of the political instability.  However, this outbreak has forced the start of vaccinating children missed in the last drive.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share