Measles outbreak exposes AL, interim-era vaccination gaps

A resurgence of measles across Bangladesh has exposed persistent gaps in childhood immunisation during previous Awami League and interim government periods, prompting authorities to launch an emergency vaccination campaign targeting millions of children nationwide.

Health officials say infections have now been reported in 58 districts, largely linked to disruptions in routine vaccination during the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdowns, supply constraints and vaccine hesitancy meant many families missed scheduled doses.

“We are now seeing the consequences of that gap,” said Professor Dr Begum Sharifun Naher, a specialist in paediatric medicine and neonatology. She noted that infections are rising even among infants younger than the recommended vaccination age.

In response, the government, working with UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, launched a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination drive on 20 April, prioritising high-risk areas. The initial phase targets around 1.2 million children, with a broader aim to cover those aged six to 59 months across the country.

Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases, spreading through coughing and sneezing and remaining airborne for up to two hours. Health experts warn that a single infected person can transmit the virus to as many as 18 others.

Doctors say common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and inflamed eyes, followed by a red rash that usually begins behind the ears and spreads across the body. While many cases resolve without complications, severe infections can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness and ear infections.

“Breathing difficulties are a critical warning sign,” Professor Begum Sharifun Naher said, urging parents to seek immediate medical care if symptoms worsen.

Malnourished children are at particularly high risk of severe illness and death, raising concerns among public health officials as nutritional deficiencies combine with delayed immunisation.

Bangladesh’s routine immunisation schedule provides measles vaccines at nine and 15 months. However, during the current outbreak, officials are encouraging additional doses, maintaining at least a one-month interval between shots.

Authorities are also stressing preventive measures, including isolating infected children, wearing masks and maintaining hygiene to limit household transmission. Treatment remains largely supportive, including Vitamin A supplementation, adequate nutrition and hydration, and oral rehydration salts for children with diarrhoea. Severe cases require urgent hospital care.

Hospitals across the country have intensified preparedness as part of the response. Paediatric specialist Dr Samira Islam Nisha said parental negligence and misinformation are contributing to the resurgence.

“Some parents are not vaccinating their children on time, while others are being influenced by unnecessary fears or rumors,” said Dr Samira Islam Nisha, also an indoor medical officer at Dhaka Medical College.

She warned that measles can cause serious complications in children and stressed that timely vaccination remains the most effective prevention. “Vaccines are completely safe and have been tested over many years,” she said.

Urging parents to follow the national immunisation schedule, she said vaccination protects not only individual children but also the wider community. She also called for stronger public awareness efforts involving healthcare workers, the media and local communities to counter misinformation.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said irregular vaccination in the past has contributed to the increase in infections. Speaking at the launch of the campaign in Rupganj, Narayanganj, on 20 April, he said, "Gaps in routine immunisation in the past have increased the risk of measles infection. Failures of previous governments have created an alarming situation regarding measles across the country.”

However, he said the situation had not reached epidemic levels and did not require a state of emergency. He added that the vaccination campaign was progressing successfully with support from UNICEF and other international partners.

The minister also highlighted concerns about irregular breastfeeding practices, saying many children are becoming more vulnerable to diseases, including measles, due to nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin A supplementation is being provided to address these gaps.

“Medicines alone cannot ensure children’s health,” he said, urging mothers to focus on proper nutrition and care.

Officials say raising public awareness is key to containing the outbreak, urging parents to ensure timely vaccination and seek prompt medical attention when symptoms worsen.

Since 15 March, at least 220 people have died from measles and measles-like symptoms across Bangladesh, according to the Directorate General of Health Services, with figures recorded up to 27 April.