Bangladesh Struggles With Massive Measles Outbreak

Bangladesh’s measles crisis is deepening rapidly, with child deaths continuing to rise as hospitals struggle to cope with the growing outbreak across the country.

At least 528 children have died from measles or measles-like symptoms since March 15, 2026. Government data released over the weekend showed that 16 more child deaths were recorded in just the last 24 hours.

More than 63,000 suspected infections have now been reported nationwide, while over 8,500 cases have already been confirmed through laboratory testing. The outbreak has spread across 58 districts, with children under the age of five facing the highest risk.

Dhaka division remains the worst affected area. Officials say 224 children have died there alone.

Hospitals in several cities are facing increasing pressure as infection numbers continue to climb.

Another 1,434 new cases were added in the last 24 hours. So far, 63,813 children have shown measles-like symptoms, while more than 50,000 have required hospital treatment. Over 46,000 children have already been discharged after receiving care.

Government figures show that among the 528 deaths, 442 children had measles-like symptoms while 86 cases were laboratory-confirmed as measles infections. Health officials say shortages of testing kits have made it difficult to confirm many infections on time.

Children Under Five Hit the Hardest

Doctors say children below five years old are suffering the most severe impact from the outbreak.

Many children have developed serious complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation and severe respiratory problems. Malnourished children and those who missed vaccination are facing much higher risks.

Separate measles wards have been opened in hospitals in Dhaka and other cities, but treatment management is becoming increasingly difficult because of shortages of ICU beds.

Government Expands Vaccination Campaign

The Bangladesh government has intensified its nationwide vaccination drive in an attempt to slow the fast-spreading outbreak.

According to the health ministry, more than 18.4 million children have already received measles vaccines during the campaign, exceeding the government’s initial target.

UNICEF has identified weak vaccine access, child malnutrition and low breastfeeding rates as major reasons behind the rapid spread of the disease. International health agencies are also treating the situation in Bangladesh as a serious public health emergency.