Bangladesh measles outbreak claims 999 lives, hospitalises over 146,000
A severe measles outbreak in Bangladesh has claimed 999 suspected and confirmed lives since March, putting hospitals under intense pressure amid overcrowding and shortages.
More than 166,000 suspected cases have been recorded, including 19,835 laboratory-confirmed infections, while over 146,000 suspected patients have required hospitalisation. The outbreak is currently considered the largest in the world.
Health officials and experts attribute the surge largely to disruptions in routine immunisation during 2024 and 2025, leaving many children vulnerable. Vaccine shortages and delays or cancellations of vaccination campaigns have further widened immunity gaps.
The World Health Organisation and UNICEF have also warned about interruptions to immunisation schedules, with children under five accounting for about 80 per cent of cases during the early stages of the outbreak.
Hospitals are facing additional strain from rising dengue infections, with more than 45,000 people hospitalised for the disease this year. One facility designed to accommodate 1,350 patients is reportedly treating more than 2,350.
An emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign has reached more than 19.7 million children, but experts say stronger routine immunisation and catch-up programmes are still needed.
Authorities say closing immunity gaps and raising vaccination coverage remain critical to bringing the outbreak under control.
