Bangladesh: More than 1,000 Deaths Linked or Suspected from Measles

On Wednesday, 9 September 2026, Bangladesh health authorities reported a total of 1,002 confirmed or suspected deaths related to measles since the outbreak began in March, bringing the toll of this health crisis, which mainly affects children, to over 1,000.

According to the daily bulletin from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 902 deaths are classified as suspected and 100 as confirmed. The country now has a total of 167,580 suspected cases, including 19,904 laboratory-confirmed infections.

In the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday morning, three additional children died with symptoms consistent with measles, and 1,119 new suspected cases were reported. Health data also indicate 147,393 hospitalizations of suspected patients since the outbreak began, with more than 141,000 discharged after recovery.

Reuters and the Associated Press describe an outbreak of exceptional scale, fueled by disruptions in routine vaccination and supply difficulties that have left many children insufficiently protected. Hospitals, especially in Dhaka, are facing a significant influx of young patients suffering from respiratory or neurological complications.

The Bangladeshi government launched an emergency campaign against measles and rubella in the spring with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Gavi. The operation initially targeted children aged 6 to 59 months in high-risk areas before being gradually expanded nationwide.

Accumulated Vaccination Gaps

Bangladesh had maintained high measles vaccination coverage for several years. However, the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by political disruptions in 2024 and 2025, disrupted several vaccination campaigns and created pockets of unimmunized children. Reuters also reports that changes in procurement procedures contributed to vaccine shortages.

The WHO reminds that coverage of about 95% with two doses is necessary to sustainably interrupt virus transmission. Highly contagious, measles spreads through the air and can cause pneumonia, neurological damage, and death, especially among young unvaccinated or vulnerable children.

Increased Pressure on Hospitals

The measles crisis comes as Bangladesh is also facing a sharp surge in dengue cases. Bénin Web TV reported on 7 September a daily record of 1,558 hospitalizations related to this mosquito-borne disease, adding further strain on the country’s hospital capacities.

In its communication about the emergency campaign, the WHO urged parents and caregivers to visit vaccination centers. The organization, together with UNICEF and Gavi, supports vaccine supply, cold chain management, and efforts to reach children living in the most exposed areas.