Bangladesh measles outbreak nears 1,000 child deaths as hospitals overflow

The latest health ministry data show that Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has killed 986 children and infected over 180,000 individuals since March, approaching a grim 1,000-death threshold. In Dhaka’s Shishu Hospital, more than 100 children are currently admitted to dedicated measles wards, many suffering from severe breathing problems and malnutrition. Mothers such as Rima Akter, whose nine-month-old son Sabit Haque is among the patients, recount daily deaths in the ward, while Sanjana Islam Modina describes her six-month-old son Ayan’s prolonged oxygen therapy after battling pneumonia and measles.

Officials acknowledge a significant number of children missed earlier vaccine doses, prompting an intensified national vaccination drive. Epidemiologists stress the need for broader immunisation and public-health measures like isolation, handwashing, and mask use to curb further spread.