Bangladesh measles outbreak kills over 500 children

Since mid‑March 2026 Bangladesh has faced its worst measles surge in decades. The Directorate General of Health Services reported 512 deaths – 86 confirmed and 426 suspected – as of 23 May, with the daily toll rising by 13 in the previous 24 hours. Children aged six months to five years are the most affected, many already malnourished or unvaccinated.

Hospitals in Dhaka and across 58 of the country’s 64 districts are overwhelmed, lacking sufficient intensive‑care beds and forcing treatment on floors. The government has launched an emergency measles‑rubella vaccination drive that has reached about 18 million children, aiming to immunise 1.2 million in high‑risk districts. UNICEF country chief Rana Flowers said vaccine shortages and gaps in routine immunisation, worsened after the 2024 student‑led protests, contributed to the crisis. WHO warned that declining routine coverage increased outbreak risk. Health officials continue to deploy rapid‑response teams, strengthen surveillance and distribute vitamin A to curb complications.