Bangladesh Battles Decades-Deadliest Measles Outbreak as Child Deaths Surpass 300

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Dhaka: Bangladesh’s health system is under severe strain as the country grapples with its deadliest measles outbreak in decades, resulting in the deaths of 336 children since mid-March. 

Government data reveals over 50,000 confirmed and suspected cases, with the crisis reaching a grim peak on May 4 when 17 children died in a single day. 

The surge is hitting children between six months and five years the hardest, filling dedicated wards in major centers like Dhaka’s Shishu Hospital.

Medical experts attribute the severity of the outbreak to significant ‘coverage gaps’ in the national vaccination program. A major measles drive scheduled for 2024 was delayed due to the political revolution that toppled the previous government, leaving many infants without their required doses.

 Last year, vaccine coverage plummeted to 59%, far below the 95% threshold necessary to maintain herd immunity. Consequently, even some vaccinated children have fallen ill because the virus is circulating so freely in the community.

In response, the health ministry supported by the WHO, the UN children's agency, and security forces launched an emergency campaign on April 5 that has already reached nearly 17 million children. 

To support permanent hospitals, the army has established a 20-bed field hospital at Dhaka Medical College. 

Beyond measles, authorities are also preparing for a potential overlap with dengue fever season following recent heavy rainfall. It is expected to take at least another month before the results of the mass vaccination drive significantly decrease the infection rate.