Bangladesh measles outbreak kills 585 children amid emergency vaccination drive

A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has claimed the lives of 585 children since the first recorded case on 15 March 2026, according to health authorities. Over the past 24 hours, two more children died, bringing the death toll to 585, while 90 deaths have been confirmed as measles and 495 as measles‑like illnesses. The Directorate General of Health Services reported 70,936 suspected cases and 9,049 laboratory‑confirmed cases nationwide.

In response, the government launched an emergency measles‑rubella immunisation campaign in April, targeting about 18 million children aged six months to five years. The effort is supported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the GAVI alliance. Officials have also warned of potential dengue outbreaks during the monsoon season and are bolstering health‑facility preparedness.

Critics have accused the interim administration of delaying vaccine procurement, citing UNICEF alerts that the lack of timely action heightened the crisis. Health officials stress increased surveillance, vaccination and treatment to contain the outbreak.