Measles outbreak kills hundreds of children in Bangladesh

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Since March 15, Bangladesh has recorded at least 844 child deaths and more than 112,000 hospital treatments in its deadliest measles outbreak in decades, health department figures show. Gaps in immunisation linked to the disorder around a 2024 anti-government uprising left many children vulnerable, and a national mass vaccination drive is under way even as infections and deaths continue. An assessment of 2,746 affected families found nine out of ten borrowed to cover costs, average outlays exceeded US$130, and many caregivers lost jobs, highlighting both health and economic consequences.

At least 844 children have died in the outbreak