Measles outbreak kills 15 children in Bangladesh

The ongoing measles outbreak in Bangladesh has claimed the lives of 15 children so far this year.

Health Services Division Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury confirmed the information on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the secretary said the outbreak is spreading rapidly, putting immense pressure on the country’s health infrastructure.

He highlighted that Rajshahi has been the hardest hit region, with a significant number of cases reported there. Laboratory tests of 33 samples conducted at WHO-backed facilities confirmed that all 15 fatalities were directly linked to the measles outbreak.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) warned that children who have not yet been included in the vaccination campaign or have missed their second dose are particularly vulnerable. Among these, children suffering from malnutrition face an even higher risk of severe infection and complications.

In response to the outbreak, the government has launched an emergency vaccination campaign targeting children aged six months to 10 years, with special measures to ensure vaccines reach remote and high-risk areas. Health authorities have also mobilized hospital beds, ventilators, and medical teams to cope with the surge in cases.

Officials emphasised the urgent need for parents to ensure their children receive timely measles vaccinations, noting that early immunisation is the most effective way to prevent further deaths and contain the outbreak.