Bangladesh measles outbreak kills over 500, threatens Rohingya camps

A measles epidemic in Bangladesh has produced more than 60,000 suspected cases and at least 528 suspected deaths since March 2026. About 81% of the cases are children under five, and the disease has been confirmed in all 64 districts, overwhelming hospitals and clinics.

The crisis is especially acute in the crowded Rohingya refugee camps of Cox's Bazar, where limited access to routine health services fuels transmission. The International Rescue Committee has launched an emergency vaccination drive, immunising roughly 20,000 children across five camps, while local health workers conduct household outreach to identify early symptoms.

Malnutrition, which affects one‑quarter of Bangladeshi children under five, worsens disease severity and reduces vaccine effectiveness, contributing to higher mortality rates than seen in high‑income nations. Aid agencies are urging a rapid increase in international funding to strengthen primary‑care infrastructure and sustain vaccination efforts.