Bangladesh Launches Emergency Measles Vaccinations After 500 Child Deaths and 60,000 Suspected Cases
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 27
Bangladesh Launches Emergency Measles Vaccinations After 500 Child Deaths and 60,000 Suspected Cases
9 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 27
More than 500 children with suspected or confirmed measles have died in Bangladesh since March, prompting an emergency vaccination drive that began in early April.
Over 60,000 suspected cases were recorded in just over two months, with UNICEF saying infections are starting to plateau in some early-targeted areas and new cases have begun to decline.
UNICEF and health experts linked the surge to delayed vaccine orders, missed routine immunizations since the Covid pandemic, dense urban populations and holiday travel that accelerated transmission.
Hospitals in Dhaka and other cities have been overwhelmed, with aid workers helping isolate and triage children as families report vaccine shortages, repeated hospital visits and possible in-hospital exposure.
Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain said antibody protection takes three to four weeks after vaccination and expects infections to start falling soon, even as experts warn Eid travel could spread the virus further.
With vaccine supplies and trust broken, can Bangladesh's new government contain the outbreak before it spreads further?
Was Bangladesh's deadly measles outbreak an unavoidable tragedy or a direct result of political and administrative failure?
Bangladesh’s 2026 Measles Outbreak: Over 45,000 Cases, 294 Child Deaths, and the Urgent Fight to Restore Immunization
Overview
As of May 2026, Bangladesh faces a severe measles outbreak that is overwhelming its healthcare system, especially in Dhaka where all dedicated hospital beds are full and waiting rooms are crowded with concerned families. The crisis is being closely monitored by official health bodies, who are releasing regular updates and coordinating emergency responses. Efforts to control the outbreak include mass vaccination campaigns, particularly in vulnerable areas, and the production of detailed situation reports to guide action. These combined measures highlight the urgent need for strong coordination and rapid response to protect public health during this challenging time.