Top News

PTC News Desk: Bangladesh is currently facing one of its worst measles outbreak in recent years with death of over 100 children and thousands of suspected infections in just weeks.

The sudden surge in the infections has raised alarming concerns over gaps in immunisation and public health concerns. According to the reports, over 900 confirmed cases and more than 7,500 suspected infections have been recorded since March 2026, with the outbreak affecting a majority of districts across the country.

The outbreak gained momentum in March 2026 and more than 900 confirmed cases have been reported across the country. The majority of deaths have occurred among young children, particularly those under five.

Hospitals and health institutes are struggling to contain the outbreak and facing difficulties in coping with influx of patients, asserting that the actual number may be significantly higher than that reported. 

Adding a layer to woes, the situation seems more concerning as many affected children are either unvaccinated or too young to have received their first routine measles dose. 

The outbreak is primarily driven by a key concern—gaps in vaccination coverage. Health officials report that many of the affected children were either not vaccinated or had missed routine immunisation doses, making them more susceptible to infection. According to the WHO, at least 95% coverage with two doses is necessary to prevent measles outbreaks, and even minor drops can enable the virus to spread quickly.

Globally, measles is often the first disease to reappear when immunisation systems weaken, highlighting shortcomings in public health infrastructure. Although Bangladesh had made notable progress in vaccination over the years, recent disruptions have undone some of these gains. Experts attribute this to delays in immunisation programmes, including missed campaigns during periods of political unrest and strain on the healthcare system. Routine vaccination drives, particularly those aimed at infants, were interrupted, resulting in a group of children with little or no protection against the disease.

A large number of cases have been reported among children under five, especially infants. Many of those affected are younger than nine months—the age at which the first measles vaccine dose is usually given—making them particularly vulnerable. UNICEF has cautioned that immunity gaps in this age group can quickly lead to widespread outbreaks.

Vaccine shortages and supply challenges

Shortages of vaccines and delays in procurement have further worsened the situation. Public health experts have pointed to weaknesses in vaccine stock management and distribution, which have restricted availability in high-risk areas. These issues are compounded by unequal access to healthcare across regions, leaving some communities significantly under-immunised.