Measles Outbreak Likely to Persist for Another Month

 

Measles Outbreak Likely to Persist for Another Month

A nationwide measles outbreak continues to spread across Bangladesh, now affecting 61 districts, with young children bearing the brunt of infections. Health authorities warn the situation may persist for another one to one and a half months.

According to the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), around 83 per cent of those infected are children under the age of five. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) says targeted vaccination is already underway in high-transmission areas, while a nationwide campaign is set to begin on April 20.

Health officials say isolation of infected Vaccination programs are being strengthened in addition to treating children to contain the spread. Public health experts emphasise that vaccination, isolation, and increased awareness remain key to controlling the outbreak.

The current situation was outlined at a workshop titled “Nationwide Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026: Role of the Media,” held Thursday at the National Institute of Mass Communication in Dhaka.

Data presented at the event indicate that Bangladesh is facing a significant immunity gap. In 2023, 86 per cent of children received the first dose of the measles vaccine, while 81 per cent received the second. Over the past four to five years, the number of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children has accumulated to match or exceed the size of an entire birth cohort.

With an estimated 3.4 million child born annually, EPI data suggest a similar number remain unprotected against measles–rubella, creating conditions for widespread transmission.

DGHS Additional Director General (Administration) Professor Md Zahid Raihan said vaccination has already begun in hotspot areas and that isolation arrangement confirmed। “The outbreak is no longer spreading at the same intensity. Experts expect it to begin declining within the next one to one and a half months,” he said.

Epidemiologist Professor Mahmudur Rahman, a former director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), said outbreaks typically subside within weeks of mass immunisation campaigns. “If implemented effectively, the nationwide drive should help bring the situation under control,” he said.

Measles remains a highly contagious disease that can affect people of all ages, though The risk of complications and death is higher in children. Complications include pneumonia, diarrhoea, malnutrition, encephalitis, and in severe cases, vision and hearing loss.

Rising Cases and Vaccination Drive

According to the DGHS Integrated Control Room, 92 new measles cases were recorded in the 24 hours between 8 am April 15 and 8 am April 16. During the same period, two deaths were confirmed from measles, while six others died with measles-like symptoms.

So far this year, 3,065 cases have been reported nationwide. A total of 34 deaths have been confirmed from measles, while 172 deaths were recorded with related symptoms. Dhaka Division has reported the highest number of infections and fatalities.

The outbreak was first detected this year in the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar.

In response, vaccination campaigns began on April 5 in 30 upazilas and 13 Municipality across 18 high-risk districts. From April 12, the programme expanded to four city corporation areas. The nationwide rollout from April 20 will cover all administrative units for a period of four weeks.

Under the campaign, all children aged 6 to 59 months will receive one dose of the measles–rubella vaccine, regardless of prior vaccination status or infection history.

Vaccination will be administered through educational institutions and community centres, with special outreach targeting vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations, including street children, child labor, and those in remote or marginalized communities.

Elimination Target at Risk

Officials from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and DGHS acknowledged that Bangladesh is falling behind on its goal to eliminate measles by December 2026.

Measles elimination requires zero transmission for at least one year, followed by two consecutive years to achieve WHO certification. The current outbreak has derailed that target.

WHO’s regional immunisation coordinator Binod Kumar stressed the importance of sustaining routine immunisation alongside mass campaigns. “Effective vaccination is the only way to ensure long-term protection,” he said.

Experts attribute the outbreak to high population density, a steady birth rate, and gaps in vaccine coverage, all of which have limited the development of herd immunity.

Although a nationwide campaign in 2020 significantly reduced measles cases, surveillance data show infections have been rising since 2021, with a sharp surge in 2026. Between 2023 and 2026, about 80 per cent of cases were among children under five.

DGHS Additional Director General (Planning and Development) Professor Fowara Tasmin said authorities are treating the situation with urgency. “Child deaths from measles are unacceptable. We have taken necessary steps to control the outbreak,” she said.