Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka

Dhaka, Apr 7: Bangladesh is witnessing a severe outbreak of Measles that has claimed 118 lives, mostly children, since March 15, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Officials said five deaths were reported in the 24-hour period ending Monday morning. The DGHS also stated that 2,006 suspected measles patients, primarily children, are currently undergoing treatment at hospitals across the country.

Health expert Benazir Ahmed, former director of disease control at DGHS, attributed the crisis to disruptions in vaccination funding. He said the earlier interim government led by Muhammad Yunus had cancelled a sectoral programme that supported immunisation, leading to a shortage of measles vaccines.

“When we are supposed to celebrate something positive on World Health Day, we have to fight an outbreak, which is very unfortunate. We are supposed to eliminate measles-rubella by 2026, but we are struggling with the growing number of measles patients,” he was quoted as saying.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes rash and flu-like symptoms, but can also lead to serious complications such as brain inflammation and pneumonia. It can be effectively prevented through the MMR vaccine, which is part of routine immunisation programmes worldwide.

Experts have warned that the outbreak could have cross-border implications, as measles spreads easily in under-vaccinated populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that the disease can cross borders and trigger outbreaks in communities with low vaccination coverage.

India, however, remains relatively well protected. According to official data, measles-rubella vaccination coverage stands at 93.7% for the first dose and 92.2% for the second dose. In 2024, the country recorded a 73% decline in measles cases and a 17% reduction in rubella cases compared to 2023.

Sanjeev Bagai, senior consultant paediatrician and Padma Shri awardee, said India’s long-standing Universal Immunisation Programme has helped build strong vaccine coverage and a degree of herd immunity. However, he cautioned that global travel and migration could still pose risks.

“I don’t think there is any immediate cause for concern, but surveillance and timely action are crucial,” he said.

Health experts emphasise that vaccination remains the most effective protection, with two doses of the MMR vaccine providing about 97% lifelong immunity. Maintaining hygiene, avoiding crowded spaces during outbreaks, and seeking timely medical care in case of symptoms are also key preventive measures.