Suspected and confirmed measles deaths top 500 in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is grappling with one of its most severe measles outbreaks in decades, as suspected and confirmed deaths have surpassed 500 this year. Health officials reported that at least 86 children have died from confirmed measles infections, with an additional 426 deaths exhibiting symptoms consistent with the disease.

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At least 86 children have died from confirmed measles infections in Bangladesh this year, and another 426 with symptoms consistent with the disease, health officials said on Saturday, as the country battles one of its worst outbreaks in decades.

The rapid spread of cases in recent months has overwhelmed hospitals and placed immense strain on the country's already fragile healthcare system. This impact is particularly acute in rural districts and densely populated, low-income urban areas. Data from the Directorate General of Health Services shows 62,507 suspected measles cases and 8,494 laboratory-confirmed infections recorded between March 15 and May 23.

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Cases have spread rapidly in recent months, overwhelming hospitals and placing severe strain on already fragile healthcare services, particularly in rural districts and densely populated low-income urban areas.

Health officials emphasize that children under five years old are the most vulnerable to severe illness and death, especially those who are unvaccinated or only partially immunized. The World Health Organization previously warned that declining routine immunization coverage had heightened the risk of a large-scale outbreak. In response, the government has intensified emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaigns targeting young children, deployed rapid response teams, bolstered disease surveillance, and increased vitamin A distribution to mitigate complications.

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Children under five are most vulnerable to severe infection and death, particularly those who have not been vaccinated or have only been partially immunised, health officials have said.