Bangladesh Measles Outbreak: Over 500 Suspected Deaths in Children Since March
A major measles outbreak in Bangladesh has led to hundreds of suspected deaths among young children, prompting an emergency nationwide vaccination campaign.
Outbreak Scale and Impact
Since mid-March 2025, Bangladesh has reported over 60,000 suspected measles cases and 528 suspected deaths, predominantly among children under five years of age. Other sources cite between 7,500 and 56,000 suspected cases, and between 98 and nearly 400 deaths. Confirmed cases number over 900, with 16 confirmed deaths.
The outbreak has spread to at least 58 of Bangladesh's 64 districts.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease causing fever, respiratory symptoms, and a rash. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes a death rate of 2–3 per 1,000 reported cases in the absence of treatment. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), severe breathing problems, and blindness.
Malnourished children are at elevated risk, and Bangladesh has high rates of child stunting and acute malnutrition. One-third of those affected are under nine months old—an age group not yet eligible for routine measles vaccination.
Government and International Response
The government, in partnership with the WHO, UNICEF, and the Gavi vaccine alliance, launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign. The drive initially targeted children aged six months to five years in 18 high-risk districts and has reportedly reached 18 million children. A nationwide expansion is scheduled to begin in May 2025.
Health Minister Sardar Mohammed Sakhawat Husain stated in Parliament that the outbreak resulted from mismanagement and failures of past governments. He cited inadequate decision-making regarding vaccine stockpiles by the previous administration led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and an interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus, leading to shortages of vaccines for measles and six other diseases.
"The measles vaccination campaign was disrupted during political transitions in 2024, which included a mass uprising, the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, an interim administration under Yunus, and a national election in February 2025."
The government has instructed hospitals to open isolation units and administer Vitamin A. Healthcare facilities report being overwhelmed, with shortages of staff and supplies. Some health experts and parents have called for school closures and a declaration of a health emergency. Foreign aid cuts have exacerbated staffing shortages.
Vaccination Background
Since launching a mass immunization campaign in 1979, Bangladesh has increased its coverage of fully immunized children from 2% to 81.6%. However, UNICEF noted that significant disparities in immunization coverage persist. The WHO recommends that 95% of the population be vaccinated to prevent the spread of measles.
Rana Flowers, UNICEF's representative in Bangladesh, stated that her organization had repeatedly warned the government about the risks of a potential crisis before the outbreak. Dr. Halimur Rashid of the Directorate General of Health Services said the next priority is tracking children who were missed during vaccination campaigns. Dr. William Moss of Johns Hopkins University stated that the mass vaccination campaign should reduce cases within a month.
Public Health Guidance
Authorities are advising parents to take children with suspected measles or high fevers (above 101–102°F or 38.3°C) to hospitals immediately for proper medical treatment.
"Do not rely on medicines from local shops. Prompt hospital visits are critical."
— F. A. Asma Khan, Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Dhaka
International Context
Globally, measles has seen a resurgence. According to the WHO, over 11 million cases were recorded in 2024, linked to declining vaccination rates.
- United States: As of May 2026, reported 1,842 cases in 2026, with most linked to outbreaks among unvaccinated individuals.
- Canada: Lost its measles elimination status in 2025.
- U.S. health authorities have warned that low vaccination coverage in some regions increases the risk of importation from outbreak-affected countries.