Bangladesh measles outbreak claims over 800 child deaths

Bangladesh is experiencing a severe measles outbreak that has killed more than 800 children and hospitalized around 800 patients daily, according to the Directorate General of Health Services. Health officials say an estimated four million children have missed vaccination, contributing to the surge. In the first three weeks of July, an average of 1,005 suspected or confirmed cases were reported each day, with 821 hospital admissions and about four child fatalities per day. By late July, confirmed deaths stood at 95, while suspected deaths rose to 710, bringing the total death toll to 805.

World Health Organization data shows Bangladesh had the highest number of measles cases globally over the six‑month period from December 2023 to May 2024, with 42,174 patients identified, surpassing all other nations. Government figures released in early May recorded 311 child deaths since March. A study at Dhaka’s Shishu Hospital found 80 % of admitted children were unvaccinated, and over half of the fatalities were infants under nine months old. The outbreak highlights critical gaps in the country’s vaccination campaign and has drawn domestic and international concern.