Over 500 Measles Deaths In Bangladesh Government Expands Vaccinations

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) At least 86 children have died from confirmed measles infections in Bangladesh this year, and another 426 with symptoms consistent with the disease, health officials said on Saturday, as the country battles one of its worst outbreaks in decades.

Cases have spread rapidly in recent months, overwhelming hospitals and placing severe strain on already fragile healthcare services, particularly in rural districts and densely populated low-income urban areas.

Recommended For You Iran weighs peace proposal, accuses US of 'excessive demands'

Health authorities have identified 62,507 suspected measles cases nationwide as well as 8,494 laboratory-confirmed infections between March 15 and May 23, data from the Directorate General of Health Services showed.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels

Children under five are most vulnerable to severe infection and death, particularly those who have not been vaccinated or have only been partially immunized, health officials have said.

The World Health Organisation said last month declining routine immunisation coverage had increased the risk of a large-scale outbreak.

Since then, the government has expanded emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaigns targeting young children.

The government says it has also deployed rapid response teams, strengthened disease surveillance and increased the distribution of vitamin A to reduce complications.

Measles is one of the world's most contagious diseases but can largely be prevented through two doses of vaccine.

ALSO READ

At least 30 killed in Bangladesh due to fast-spreading measles outbreak: WHO '1 missed vaccine can be life-threatening': UAE doctors back Dh20,000 fine plan One person dead from Nipah virus in Bangladesh, WHO says

MENAFN23052026000049011007ID1111159233