Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh

Update #1 Date- 24/09/2026

Occurrence Update

Bangladesh continues to face a large and prolonged measles outbreak that began in March 2026. The outbreak has spread widely across the country, affecting all eight administrative divisions.

Measles transmission was occurring in 58 of Bangladesh’s 64 districts, with young children accounting for a substantial proportion of cases. The outbreak was associated with immunity gaps, particularly among children who were unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated.

According to the latest figures from Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the country has recorded 183,449 suspected measles cases and 20,851 laboratory-confirmed cases since 15 March.

During the latest 24-hour reporting period, 1,157 new suspected cases and 113 new confirmed cases were reported. These figures indicate that measles transmission remains active despite the vaccination and outbreak-control measures implemented by health authorities.

The outbreak has also resulted in a substantial number of deaths. In the latest 24-hour period, 11 additional children died with measles-like symptoms, bringing the combined number of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 1,076.

Of these, 101 deaths have been laboratory-confirmed as measles, while 975 deaths remain classified as suspected measles-related deaths. The distinction is important because the combined figure does not represent 1,076 laboratory-confirmed measles deaths.

Healthcare Impact

The outbreak has placed considerable pressure on Bangladesh’s healthcare system.

Since 15 March, 162,048 patients with suspected measles have been admitted to hospitals, while 155,612 patients have recovered and been discharged.

The high number of hospitalisations reflects the clinical burden associated with the outbreak, particularly among children requiring treatment for measles and its complications.

Continued hospital capacity, appropriate case management and infection-prevention measures remain important components of the response.

Vaccination Response

Vaccination remains the central strategy for controlling the outbreak.

Bangladesh launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign during the outbreak and has vaccinated approximately 20 million children since April, according to recent reporting.

The campaign was intended to reach children who were missed through routine immunisation and to close immunity gaps that had allowed susceptible children to accumulate.

Strengthening routine immunisation and reaching children who have missed scheduled vaccinations remain important measures to reduce transmission and prevent further outbreaks.

Public Health Concern

The outbreak remains a significant public-health concern because measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in populations with immunity gaps.

The widespread transmission, presence of susceptible children, and continued reports of measles-related deaths have increased concerns about further spread.

Bangladesh also shares borders with India and Myanmar, and population movement across borders may contribute to continued regional transmission, particularly in areas where vaccination coverage is incomplete.

Ongoing Response and Monitoring

Although the country has conducted a large emergency vaccination response, the continued appearance of new cases and deaths highlights the need for sustained vaccination, strengthened routine immunisation, active surveillance, laboratory confirmation, early detection and appropriate clinical management.

Continued monitoring will be necessary to determine whether transmission declines consistently and whether the outbreak can be brought under control.

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