At least 39 children have died from measles across the country so far this year, with 32 of those deaths occurring in March alone, as the outbreak continues to spread across districts including Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Mymensingh.
The highest number of fatalities—22 children—was recorded at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka. Additional deaths were reported at the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute 6, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital 5, Chapainawabganj 4, and one each in Rajshahi and Pabna. Health officials caution that the total death toll could exceed 46 when data from district-level and private healthcare facilities are fully compiled.
Medical experts say children infected with measles alongside complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, or congenital heart disease face significantly higher risks of severe outcomes and death. The situation is particularly critical among unvaccinated infants aged 3 to 10 months.
Hospitals are struggling to manage the surge in cases. At the Mohakhali Infectious Diseases Hospital, where only eight beds are designated for measles patients, admissions have far exceeded capacity. As a result, many children are being treated on floors and in corridors, raising concerns about cross-infection as measles, chickenpox, and pneumonia patients are being housed in shared wards.
According to hospital data, a total of 559 patients were admitted by March 31, with 550 admissions occurring in March alone.
Dr Shreebas Paul, junior consultant (Medicine) at the hospital, said most of the 22 deaths recorded there involved infants aged between 3 and 9 months. “At this age, children have not yet received the measles vaccine, making them highly vulnerable. Nearly all deceased patients had severe pneumonia, diarrhoea, or eye infections alongside measles, and many had pre-existing heart or kidney conditions. We have not seen cases where measles alone caused death,” he noted.
He further added that 42 new patients were admitted on March 30 alone, followed by 17 more on March 31. As patient numbers continue to rise, hospitals are treating measles, chickenpox, and pneumonia patients simultaneously in the same facilities.
Officials at the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital reported an unusual rise in infections among infants under six months of age this year, attributing this to gaps in maternal immunization and delayed vaccination of children. The hospital has recorded six suspected measles-related deaths this year, including three in March.
Public health experts warn that measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the rubella virus. It weakens the immune system, increasing vulnerability to secondary infections. Complications can include pneumonia, severe diarrhoea, encephalitis, and vitamin A deficiency, which can further worsen malnutrition and overall health.
Experts add that routine immunization programs previously helped eliminate diseases such as polio and tetanus and significantly control hepatitis and measles, However, recent lapses in vaccination coverage are undermining these gains. They emphasize the urgent need to address vaccine shortages and ensure consistent supply.
Health officials report that the central stock of measles vaccines is nearly depleted, with only about one month’s supply remaining at the field level. However, vaccines for upcoming special immunization campaigns have already arrived in the country.
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said a Tk 60.4 billion vaccine procurement proposal has been approved, and a nationwide immunization drive may begin before or after Eid-ul-Azha if everything proceeds as planned.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) currently provides protection against 12 diseases through nine vaccines. The measles-rubella (MR) vaccine is typically administered at nine months of age. However, with 34% of recent infections occurring in children under six months, authorities have decided to lower the vaccination age to six months. A nationwide campaign targeting more than 20 million children is planned for June.
A resident physician and consultant of the paediatric department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dr Md Shahedur Rahman, said, “There is no specific treatment for measles; we mainly manage complications. Vitamin A and proper nutrition are essential to protect the eyes and overall recovery.”
He also cautioned that not all rashes indicate measles, as fever with rash can occur due to various other conditions. Parents are advised not to panic and to seek medical attention promptly.
Doctors further recommend ensuring proper hydration for children with rashes and administering vitamin A capsules under medical supervision if necessary. Parents are also urged to ensure infected children do not come into contact with healthy children.
In addition, children above two years of age are advised to wear masks when going outside, and caregivers are encouraged to maintain strict hand hygiene and mask usage, especially in hospital settings.
