Bangladesh is facing its worst measles outbreak in decades, with more than 500 children reported dead since mid-March.
According to the country’s health authorities, the death toll rose to 512 on Saturday after 13 additional child deaths were recorded within the previous 24 hours.
Hospitals in the capital, Dhaka, are reportedly overwhelmed with patients, while severe shortages of intensive care unit (ICU) beds continue despite the establishment of separate treatment wards.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads rapidly through coughing and sneezing.
Health experts warn that the disease can lead to severe complications, particularly among unvaccinated or malnourished children, including:
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Death
There is no specific antiviral treatment once a person contracts measles, making vaccination the primary method of prevention.
The outbreak has prompted a nationwide immunization campaign in the South Asian nation of approximately 175 million people.
According to United Nations Children’s Fund, around 18 million children have already been vaccinated as part of emergency response efforts.
Rana Flowers stated that authorities are working to expand vaccine coverage, although health officials warn it could take several more months before the campaign significantly reduces transmission.
UNICEF further noted that vaccination programmes were severely disrupted following the political instability and student uprising that toppled the government in 2024.
The agency said the resulting disruptions left many children without routine immunization protection, increasing vulnerability to outbreaks.
Global health organizations continue to identify measles as one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable child deaths worldwide.
