Bangladesh’s deadliest measles outbreak in decades has killed more than 300 children and filled hospital wards across the country, with doctors struggling to contain a surge in infections.

The country has recorded 336 deaths and more than 50,000 confirmed and suspected cases since March 15, according to the latest government data. Vaccination gaps caused by the 2024 uprising that overthrew the government left the youngest children badly exposed.

Why is the Bangladesh measles outbreak so deadly in 2026?

A measles vaccination drive planned for 2024 was delayed by the revolution that toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, leaving coverage at just 59 percent when 95 percent is needed for herd immunity.

Without herd immunity, even vaccinated children remain at risk. The gap left millions of children under five vulnerable to a highly contagious virus with no specific treatment.

Who is most affected by the measles outbreak in Bangladesh?

Most cases have been recorded among children aged between six months and five years. On May 4, Bangladesh recorded its highest single-day toll, with 17 children dying within 24 hours. Measles spreads through coughs and sneezes, and in severe cases the infection reaches the brain, causing swelling that can lead to lasting damage or death.

The human cost is visible in Dhaka’s hospital wards. Rina Begum, 45, spent two weeks at her granddaughter Afia’s bedside after the three-year-old missed her second measles vaccine dose and fell critically ill. “I was almost sure I was going to lose her today,” Begum said. Afia recovered after being placed on oxygen. Siam, a 14-month-old boy, spent 10 days in intensive care at Dhaka’s Shishu Hospital before his condition improved enough to return to the measles ward. He had been vaccinated at 10 months, but compromised herd immunity left him unprotected. “I did not expect to get my son back,” said his mother, Brishti Akhtar, 20.

What is Bangladesh doing to contain the measles outbreak?

Health officials, supported by UNICEF, the WHO and the security forces, launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign on April 5. Nearly 17 million children have received the vaccine since the drive began, according to government data. Senior health ministry official Abu Hussain Md Moinul Ahsan said it would take around a month before the impact of the campaign becomes visible.

Ahsan said hospitals were not yet overburdened, but the army has erected a 20-bed field hospital in the grounds of Dhaka Medical College Hospital as a precaution. “With the current measles outbreak, the health ministry told us to set up a field hospital,” said hospital director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman.

What other health risks is Bangladesh facing alongside measles?

Heavy rainfall in recent weeks has increased the mosquito population, raising the risk of dengue fever ahead of its seasonal peak. Asaduzzaman said the field hospital was being built with both crises in mind.

“We hope the measles infection rate will decrease soon,” he said. “With the dengue season in mind, the field hospital is expected to be effective in that crisis too.”