Nearly 1,000 children dead in Bangladesh measles outbreak
Bangladesh’s health ministry says 986 confirmed and suspected deaths have been recorded in a measles outbreak, while the number of cases has surpassed 180,000. The spread continues despite a vaccination campaign.
Bangladesh has been battling a severe measles outbreak since March, described as one of the deadliest in recent decades. Latest figures from the country’s health ministry show 986 confirmed and suspected deaths, while the number of presumed and confirmed infections has surpassed 180,000.
Health authorities launched a large-scale measles and rubella vaccination campaign in spring, but it has not eased the situation significantly. Ziauddin Haider, a health adviser to the prime minister’s office, said a considerable number of children had not received the vaccine and that efforts were being made to close that gap. New infections continue to be registered, placing heavy pressure on hospitals.
Most cases have been reported among children aged six months to five years, who are especially vulnerable to severe measles, particularly when they are malnourished. Doctors note that many parents seek medical help only after a child’s condition has become critical, making treatment considerably more difficult.
Malnutrition in some infected children is worsening the course of the disease and raising the risk of serious complications. The outbreak has spread across a large part of Bangladesh, and health services are trying to reach children who remain unvaccinated. Health workers warn that expanding the campaign is not enough while some children are still unprotected against the infection.
