Bangladesh at ‘high risk’ of measles outbreak: WHO
Collected Photo
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over the measles situation in Bangladesh. With infections spreading across 58 of the country’s 64 districts, the current situation has been assessed as a national ‘high-risk’ outbreak, according to a report published by the agency on Thursday.
According to the WHO report, 19,161 suspected measles cases were identified in the country between March 15 and April 14. Of these, 2,973 cases were confirmed through laboratory testing.
During the one-month period, 166 people died with measles-like symptoms, including 30 deaths confirmed by laboratory tests. A total of 12,318 patients were hospitalized.
The report states that 79 percent of the infected individuals are children under the age of five, while 66 percent are below two years of age. Most of the 166 deceased children were either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. The report also highlights a significant immunity gap among children aged one to 14, which it identifies as a key factor behind the current outbreak.
The highest number of suspected cases was recorded in Dhaka Division, with 8,263 cases. Dense urban slum areas in Demra, Jatrabari, Kamrangirchar, Karail and Mirpur reported the highest transmission rates. Rajshahi, Chattogram and Khulna divisions followed.
The WHO said the outbreak has been driven by gaps in the national MR vaccination program during 2024–25 and weaknesses in routine immunization coverage. It added that the spread across 91 percent of districts indicates nationwide transmission.
In addition, cross-border movement through land ports along the India and Myanmar borders has kept the risk of international transmission at a ‘high’ level.
Meanwhile, a nationwide measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign began on April 20 to address the situation. The program covers children aged 6 to 59 months. The Ministry of Health is also working to ensure vitamin A supplementation and necessary treatment for infected children.
The WHO has issued several recommendations for measles control, including achieving at least 95 percent vaccination coverage in all areas, strengthening surveillance at border regions and international transit points, ensuring rapid isolation and treatment of suspected cases, and prioritizing vaccination for health workers and transport sector employees.
