The Outbreak
Bangladesh is in the grip of its deadliest measles outbreak in decades. Since 15 March 2026, the country has recorded 336 child deaths and more than 50,000 confirmed and suspected cases [1][2]. On 4 May 2026, a single day saw 17 child deaths, the highest daily toll yet [3].
Why It Happened
A measles vaccination drive scheduled for 2024 was delayed by the revolution that toppled the government of Sheikh Hasina [4]. By 2025, measles vaccine coverage in Bangladesh had fallen to 59%, far below the 95% needed for herd immunity [7][8]. The gap left millions of children vulnerable.
The Response
An emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign was launched on 5 April 2026 [5]. Since then, nearly 17 million children have received the vaccine [6]. The army has erected a 20-bed tent field hospital at Dhaka Medical College Hospital to handle severe cases [9].
What to Watch
Heavy rainfall in recent weeks has raised the risk of a dengue outbreak, adding to the strain on the health system [10]. Sustained vaccination and disease surveillance will be critical in the months ahead.