Measles outbreak in Bangladesh kills over 560 children

Bangladesh's measles outbreak has escalated dramatically. By 27 May, the death toll among children rose to 560, up from 555 the previous day, after 10 more children died in a 24‑hour period. Health authorities reported more than 1,000 new suspected cases each day, bringing the total number of suspected infections to about 67,000 and confirmed cases to roughly 8,800.

The government launched an emergency measles‑rubella vaccination campaign in April, aiming to immunise around 18 million children aged six months to five years with support from the WHO, UNICEF and the GAVI alliance. Health Minister Sarwar Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain said the campaign should curb the outbreak within weeks. Experts warned that Eid celebrations could accelerate spread and urged families to avoid crowded places. Director of the Infectious Diseases Hospital, FA Asma Khanam, cautioned, “Given the current situation, it is better for people to stay where they are and limit unnecessary travel.”