Bangladesh is facing its deadliest measles outbreak in decades, with the number of child deaths approaching 1,000 as hospitals struggle to cope with a surge in cases.
At least 986 children have died since March, while suspected and confirmed measles cases have exceeded 180,000, according to the latest figures from the health ministry. More than 1,000 suspected cases are being reported each day.
The highly contagious disease spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. While measles can affect people of all ages, young children are particularly vulnerable to severe complications, including breathing difficulties and inflammation of the brain.
At Dhaka’s Shishu Hospital, crowded measles wards are treating scores of children as medical staff work to manage the growing number of patients. Parents have described moving between hospitals in search of treatment and available beds for their children.
Sanjana Islam Modina, 19, said her six-month-old son Ayan was first admitted to hospital with pneumonia in July before contracting measles. He was eventually admitted to the specialised children’s hospital in the capital in mid-August, where he required oxygen support.
Another mother, 30-year-old Rima Akter, has been staying beside her nine-month-old son Sabit Haque at the hospital. She described witnessing children die while waiting for treatment.
Bangladesh has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign in an effort to contain the outbreak. However, infections continue to rise, placing additional pressure on hospitals and health services across the country.
Health authorities are continuing vaccination and disease-control efforts as the outbreak remains a major public health challenge.
