Bangladesh is confronting its largest recorded measles outbreak, reversing years of progress toward eliminating the disease. Since March, Health Ministry data show more than 166,000 suspected cases, including 19,835 laboratory-confirmed infections. Authorities have linked the outbreak to 999 deaths, 100 of them confirmed as measles fatalities, while more than 146,000 suspected patients have been hospitalized.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed Bangladesh as having the world’s largest current outbreak, based on more than 57,000 cases reported between January and June. National officials say the true total is substantially higher.
Health experts attribute the outbreak largely to gaps in routine immunization during political upheaval in 2024 and 2025. Changes to vaccine procurement, the postponement of one vaccination program and cancellation of a nationwide measles-rubella campaign contributed to shortages and left many children unprotected. Infants younger than nine months, who are generally too young for routine measles vaccination, have been especially vulnerable.
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An emergency campaign launched in April targeted approximately 18 million children between six months and five years old. Ministry figures indicate more than 19.7 million children have since received vaccines, but specialists say routine coverage, monitoring and catch-up programs must still improve.
Hospitals are facing severe pressure from measles alongside a major dengue surge. Some facilities are treating patients on floors because beds are unavailable, while shortages of pediatric saline are complicating care. One Dhaka hospital designed for 1,350 patients reported caring for more than 2,350.
Families have described repeated hospital visits, unclear guidance and rising treatment costs. Public-health specialists say closing immunity gaps, restoring reliable vaccine supplies and expanding awareness are central to controlling transmission. Measles is highly contagious but preventable through two vaccine doses. The crisis also highlights the difficulty of maintaining basic health services while responding to simultaneous outbreaks of preventable and mosquito-borne diseases.
