Bangladesh Measles Outbreak Nears 1,000 Child Deaths

DHAKA: (News Desk) –Bangladesh is facing its deadliest measles outbreak in decades, with the number of child deaths approaching 1,000 as hospitals struggle to cope with a surge in severe cases.

According to the latest Health Ministry figures, at least 986 children have died since March, while suspected and confirmed infections have surpassed 180,000. More than 1,000 suspected cases are being reported each day.

At Dhaka’s Shishu Hospital, overcrowded measles wards have become a grim reflection of the crisis. Parents sit beside sick children as medical teams work to provide oxygen and other supportive care.

Rima Akter, 30, said her nine-month-old son, Sabit Haque, is among dozens of children being treated at the hospital. She described witnessing two children die in a single day.

Measles is among the world’s most contagious diseases and spreads easily through respiratory droplets. While there is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, vaccination can prevent infection and protect communities from large outbreaks.

Young children face the greatest risk of serious complications, which can include pneumonia, severe breathing difficulties and inflammation of the brain.

The current outbreak has disproportionately affected children between six months and five years old. Doctors say many patients arrive at hospitals in critical condition, with malnutrition making it even harder for their bodies to fight the infection.

Six-month-old Ayan is one such patient. His mother, 19-year-old Sanjana Islam Modina, said she had taken him to several hospitals since July seeking treatment.

Ayan was initially admitted with pneumonia before contracting measles. He eventually secured a bed at Dhaka’s specialised children’s hospital in August and spent 15 days in intensive care.

His mother said the earlier pneumonia had already weakened his lungs before measles further affected his breathing. He has required continuous oxygen support in recent days and has also been diagnosed with malnutrition.

The hospital currently has 101 children being treated for suspected or confirmed measles, highlighting the pressure on paediatric healthcare facilities.

Health officials have described the outbreak as devastating and acknowledged gaps in childhood immunisation coverage.

Bangladesh had previously made significant progress in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases. However, a measles vaccination campaign planned for 2024 was delayed amid political upheaval following the fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Labour strikes and further instability also disrupted plans for a campaign in 2025.

Authorities have now launched a nationwide vaccination drive aimed at reaching children who missed their routine doses.

Health officials say the campaign is intended to close the immunisation gap, while epidemiologists have urged Bangladesh to expand vaccination efforts and strengthen public awareness.

Experts are also recommending measures such as isolating infected children, frequent handwashing and using masks for caregivers to reduce transmission.

For families inside Dhaka’s crowded hospitals, however, the outbreak remains an immediate and frightening reality as the number of seriously ill children continues to rise.