Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has worsened, with the death toll rising to 601 as of June 4, 2026. This includes 90 confirmed measles deaths and 511 suspected fatalities, alongside more than 74,500 suspected cases and 9,191 laboratory-confirmed infections.
Health officials reported seven child deaths in the past 24 hours, underscoring the severity of the crisis. Since March 15, over 60,000 patients have been hospitalised, with 55,942 discharged after recovery. Dhaka remains the worst-hit region, recording the highest mortality rates.
Experts attribute the outbreak to vaccination gaps, mass travel during Eid, and disruptions in immunisation campaigns due to political instability. The government has launched emergency vaccination drives, lowering the age threshold to six months, but infection rates remain persistently high.
Public health specialists warn that hospital care alone cannot reduce fatalities. Early isolation, oxygen support, nutritional care, and door-to-door vaccination campaigns are critical to containing the epidemic.
