Bangladesh battles deadly measles outbreak, suspected to have killed nearly 100 children; vaccination drives accelerated amid shortages as authorities scramble to contain spread, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Bangladesh is grappling with a deadly measles outbreak that officials say may have claimed at least 98 children in the past three weeks, prompting an urgent ramp-up of vaccination efforts across the country.
Health ministry data released on Sunday shows that suspected measles cases among children aged six months to five years have surged to 6,476, far above figures in recent years. While confirmed cases currently stand at 826, with 16 verified deaths, experts warn that the true toll is likely higher, as many children are either untested or succumb before testing can occur.
“Compared with past years, the number of affected children is higher, and the death toll is higher too,” said Halimur Rashid, director of the Communicable Disease Control division, citing multifactorial causes including a shortage of vaccines.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed two senior ministers to travel across affected areas to assess the scale of the outbreak and coordinate emergency vaccination campaigns. Authorities are prioritising the worst-hit districts to prevent further fatalities.
Measles, one of the world’s most contagious diseases, spreads through coughing and sneezing and primarily affects young children. Complications can include severe breathing problems and brain swelling. While Bangladesh has made significant strides in routine vaccinations, disruptions caused by political unrest in June 2024 delayed a scheduled measles drive, leaving many children vulnerable.
Most infants in Bangladesh receive their first measles vaccination at nine months, but many recent infections were in children as young as six months, highlighting gaps in early immunisation. Health authorities are urging parents to seek immediate medical attention if children show symptoms such as fever, rash, or respiratory distress.
The outbreak comes amid ongoing challenges in public health delivery, with authorities balancing routine vaccination campaigns with emergency responses to new outbreaks. International health organisations, including the WHO, continue to monitor the situation and provide technical and logistical support to prevent further spread.
Officials stress that rapid vaccination and heightened public awareness are critical to containing the outbreak and saving lives. With the virus highly contagious, communities are being urged to report suspected cases promptly to local health centres.
