Bangladesh Battles Worst Measles Outbreak on Record

Muscat: Bangladesh, once on the verge of eliminating measles, is now facing its worst outbreak in history, with 999 suspected and confirmed measles-related deaths since March, as hospitals grapple with overcrowding, resource shortages, and a relentless influx of sick children. According to Oman News Agency, experts said the persistent outbreak, despite an emergency nationwide vaccination campaign launched in April, follows the disruption of routine immunisation programmes in 2024 and 2025 amid political unrest. Bangladesh is currently experiencing the world's largest measles outbreak, according to a list published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials and experts said missed vaccinations and supply problems caused by political instability have left children more vulnerable, particularly infants under nine months who have not yet reached the age for routine jabs, contributing to the spread of infection across all age groups. Ministry of Health data showed that Bangladesh has recorded more than 166,000 suspected measles cases, including 19,835 confirmed by laboratory results, since the current outbreak was detected in March. The outbreak has been linked to 999 deaths, including 100 confirmed measles cases, while more than 146,000 suspected cases have required hospitalisation. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the sudden surge in measles cases, as a rising number of dengue patients adds further strain to an already overstretched healthcare system. More than 45,000 people have been hospitalised with dengue this year, according to health ministry data. On Tuesday, the dengue death toll rose to nine, while hospital admissions jumped to 1,571-both the highest daily figures for the year.