Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has turned into one of the deadliest in the world this year, with the death toll from measles and measles-related complications crossing 500 after 13 more children died in the 24 hours till 8am Saturday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The latest fatalities pushed the nationwide death toll to 512 since March 15.
Among the latest deaths, one child was laboratory-confirmed as infected with measles, while the remaining 12 died while undergoing treatment with measles-like symptoms, the DGHS said in its latest bulletin. During the same 24-hour period, another 2,132 children were infected.
Official figures show that 86 children have so far died from confirmed measles infections, while another 426 died with measles-related symptoms over the past two months.
The outbreak has now become Bangladesh’s worst measles crisis in nearly two decades.
According to DGHS data, 8,494 confirmed measles cases have been recorded since March 15, while more than 62,560 children nationwide have received hospital treatment with symptoms or signs of the disease.
However, World Health Organization (WHO) data suggests the actual number of confirmed measles infections in Bangladesh this year has already crossed 10,000.
Health experts say the scale of the outbreak places Bangladesh among the worst-affected countries globally in 2026.
Analysis of international health data shows Bangladesh currently ranks first in measles-related deaths worldwide this year. Sudan ranks second with 371 deaths, while Pakistan is third with at least 71 child deaths.
The WHO has repeatedly warned that declining vaccination coverage in several countries is fueling renewed measles outbreaks globally.
Besides Bangladesh, outbreaks have also been reported this year in India, Pakistan, Yemen, Mexico, Angola, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Sudan and Cameroon.
Bangladesh’s current outbreak is being considered one of the largest and deadliest globally in recent years.
Historical health data shows the country last experienced a major measles surge in 2005, when more than 25,000 cases were recorded.
Following a nationwide mass immunization campaign, infections gradually declined over the following years.
Between 2021 and 2025, annual measles infections had dropped sharply, remaining mostly between 100 and 300 cases per year.
But the situation changed dramatically in 2026.
On April 7, the death toll crossed 100 after 21 deaths were recorded in a single day.
By April 16, deaths exceeded 200. On May 4, the toll crossed 300, and by May 10 it surpassed 400.
Now, barely two weeks later, the toll has crossed 500.
The outbreak has placed enormous pressure on hospitals and frontline healthcare workers across the country.
DGHS data shows Dhaka Division remains the worst-hit region, recording 214 deaths and 35,513 infections so far.
Of the deaths in Dhaka Division, 164 were classified as suspected measles-related deaths while 50 were laboratory-confirmed.
Rajshahi Division recorded 81 deaths, while Chittagong Division reported 52 deaths.
In Barishal Division, 50 children died, while Sylhet Division recorded 52 deaths and Mymensingh Division reported 37 deaths.
Khulna Division recorded 21 deaths and Rangpur Division reported five deaths, according to DGHS figures.
Public health experts warn that unless vaccination coverage is rapidly restored and emergency response efforts strengthened, the outbreak could worsen further in the coming weeks as hospitals continue struggling with mounting patient pressure nationwide.
