An outbreak of measles in Bangladesh has resulted in at least 143 deaths and more than 12,000 suspected cases since mid-March, marking the deadliest surge of the disease in the country in two decades. The majority of those affected are children, many of whom are receiving treatment in overwhelmed hospitals in the capital, Dhaka.

At DNCC Hospital in Mohakhali—a facility originally designated for COVID-19 patients—wards are filled with young children suffering severe symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, and widespread rashes. Mothers and caregivers are seen using nebulisers to aid their children's struggling lungs as the highly contagious measles virus continues to spread rapidly among vulnerable populations.

Measles, which primarily affects children, is known as one of the most transmissible diseases globally. It spreads through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough or sneeze and can lead to serious complications, including brain swelling and severe respiratory distress.

The outbreak has struck particularly hard among communities with limited vaccine coverage. Many families seeking treatment at the hospital reported coming from areas where measles immunization efforts were insufficient. Vaccination records have also been a challenge for some, complicating efforts to administer timely doses. Nusrat Jahan, a mother of two hospitalized children, shared the distress of navigating care for both while lacking documentation for past vaccinations.

Bangladesh has made considerable progress in expanding vaccinations against infectious diseases in recent years. However, a planned nationwide measles immunization campaign scheduled for 2024 was postponed following political upheaval that led to the overthrow of the government led by Sheikh Hasina. This disruption appears to have contributed to gaps in immunization coverage.

Public health officials and medical workers are now grappling with containing the outbreak amid strained healthcare resources. The resurgence of measles underscores the critical importance of maintaining consistent vaccination programs to prevent further loss of life from this preventable disease.