Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh Claims Over 500 Children as Cases Surge
Health authorities race to contain epidemic amid vaccination gaps and rising infections across the country.
- Over 500 children have died from suspected measles since March.
- More than 60,000 suspected cases reported in Bangladesh.
- Authorities launch mass vaccination campaign to curb spread.
Health officials say suspected cases have surged past 60,000 within just over two months, raising alarm over the rapid spread of the disease and the strain on the country’s healthcare system.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through coughs and sneezes and is especially dangerous for unvaccinated children under the age of five.
In the capital, Dhaka, families have described repeated struggles to access vaccination services, with some reporting multiple unsuccessful attempts to immunise their children.
One grieving father, Al Amin, said his daughter Akira fell ill with fever and later developed a rash, mouth sores and worsening symptoms before being diagnosed with measles after several hospital visits.
He said the child had received all vaccinations except the measles dose, which was repeatedly delayed due to illness, unavailability and repeated hospital visits.
Akira was eventually placed on life support but died 27 days after her first hospital admission.
Health authorities have launched a mass vaccination campaign and cancelled leave for medical staff in an effort to contain the outbreak and reduce further deaths.
Officials have warned that the rapid spread is being driven by low immunisation coverage, delayed vaccination schedules and possible exposure within healthcare facilities.
Families and health workers have also raised concerns about overcrowding in hospitals, which may be contributing to further transmission of the disease.
The outbreak continues to place pressure on Bangladesh’s health system as authorities race to control infections and improve vaccine coverage nationwide.
