Dhaka: The measles outbreak in Bangladesh continues to worsen, with seven more children reportedly dying from measles-like symptoms in the last 24 hours until Thursday morning. With these latest fatalities, the total number of child deaths since March 15 has risen to 488.
According to local media reports, Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) stated that among the recent deaths, four are suspected measles cases, while laboratory tests have confirmed three cases. Most of the latest deaths were reported from the Chittagong region.
Rising Cases and Deaths
Reports indicate that since March 15, Bangladesh has recorded:
- 405 suspected measles deaths
- 83 laboratory-confirmed measles deaths
During the same period, 1,423 new suspected cases were identified, taking the total number of suspected infections to 59,279. Meanwhile, with 208 newly confirmed infections, the total confirmed measles cases have climbed to 8,275.
Over 40,000 Hospitalizations in Three Months
According to the report, since March 15:
- 46,407 suspected patients have been hospitalized
- 42,336 patients have recovered and returned home after treatment
Amid the worsening situation, UNICEF has claimed that it repeatedly warned Bangladesh’s previous interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, about the growing vaccine shortage.
What Caused the Measles Crisis in Bangladesh?
Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, UNICEF’s Bangladesh representative Rana Flowers said the organization had sent five to six warning letters to the Health Ministry and raised concerns during at least ten meetings held during the interim government’s tenure.
She stated:
“Since 2024, we have been warning the government that vaccine shortages could trigger a major health crisis. From 2024 to 2025 and then into 2026, we repeatedly sent letters and highlighted the issue in various meetings, but vaccine orders were not placed.”
Vaccine Crisis Deepens
According to Rana Flowers, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban also raised concerns about the vaccine shortage during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry while visiting the country in August last year.
She further added that UNICEF would provide evidence and cooperation in the investigation launched by the current BNP-backed government into the measles outbreak.