Bangladesh records the world's worst measles outbreak, with 999 suspected and confirmed deaths since March

Bangladesh is facing the worst measles outbreak ever recorded in the country after disruptions to the immunization program and vaccine supply problems left hundreds of thousands of children vulnerable. Since March, authorities have reported more than 166,000 suspected cases, nearly 20,000 laboratory-confirmed infections, and 999 suspected or confirmed deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The outbreak spread after routine vaccinations were disrupted in 2024 and 2025 amid political unrest that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Health Minister said changes to procurement procedures caused a vaccine shortage, while the postponement and cancellation of some immunization campaigns left many children unprotected.

Children under five accounted for approximately 80% of reported cases in the early stages of the outbreak. A national emergency vaccination campaign was launched in April, but transmission continues. Infants under nine months are particularly vulnerable because they are too young for routine vaccination.

Hospitals are overcrowded, and the healthcare system must also manage a rise in dengue cases. At a hospital in Dhaka designed for 1,350 patients, more than 2,350 people are being treated, and some children with measles are being cared for on the floor. Measles can be prevented with two doses of the vaccine.,