Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Bangladesh Faces Severe Measles Epidemic As Cases Top 166,000
Bangladesh is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in decades.
More than 166,000 suspected cases have been recorded since the start of the year.
Nearly 1,000 deaths have been reported among suspected measles cases.
The disease is spreading in all 64 districts of the country.
Young children, especially those under five, are most at risk.
Some babies are too young to receive routine vaccines.
Missed vaccinations and vaccine shortages left many children unprotected.
The government and international health groups are now vaccinating about 18 million children.
Hospitals in the hardest-hit areas are struggling to care for all patients.
Suspected measles cases in Bangladesh have surpassed 166,000 since the beginning of the year.
Reported deaths from suspected measles are approaching 1,000, according to health data.
Transmission has been documented in all 64 districts, with Dhaka’s informal settlements among the main epicenters.
Children under five account for roughly 80% of cases, while infants under nine months make up nearly one-third.
Bangladesh, UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi have launched emergency vaccinations targeting about 18 million children.
- Who
- Bangladeshi health authorities, supported by UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and Gavi, are responding to the outbreak; young children are most affected.
- What
- Bangladesh is facing a severe measles epidemic, with more than 166,000 suspected cases and deaths approaching 1,000.
- When
- The cases and deaths have been recorded since the beginning of the year.
- Where
- Measles transmission has been documented across all 64 districts of Bangladesh, with Dhaka’s informal settlements and slum clusters identified as major epicenters.
- Why
- Routine immunization was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed immunization drives, and vaccine supply shortages, leaving gaps in population immunity.
- Suspected cases
- More than 166,000 since the beginning of the year
- Reported deaths
- Nearly 1,000 deaths from suspected measles
- Geographic spread
- All 64 districts across Bangladesh’s eight divisions
- Most affected group
- Children under five, who account for roughly 80% of cases
- Infant infections
- Infants under nine months account for nearly one-third of infections
- Emergency campaign
- Vaccinations are targeting approximately 18 million children
- Immunity benchmark
- Global standards require at least 95% coverage with two vaccine doses to achieve herd immunity