Govt says measles outbreak 'under control' as 179 children die so far
Dhaka North and South begin emergency measles vaccine campaign while nationwide vaccination from 20 April
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain today (12 April) said the government has brought the measles outbreak under control, even as 179 children have died from confirmed and suspected cases across Bangladesh so far this year.
Data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) show that 2,639 measles cases were laboratory-confirmed between 15 March and 12 April.
In the 24 hours from 8:00am Saturday to 8:00am today, 10 children died from measles and measles-like symptoms, while 1,268 patients with similar symptoms were admitted to hospitals nationwide. Of these, 150 cases were confirmed through laboratory testing.
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According to the latest health bulletin, 1,268 suspected measles cases have been identified nationwide, while 7,656 patients have already been discharged after receiving treatment.
Month-long vaccination begins in Dhaka
At the inauguration of a month-long measles-rubella vaccination campaign at Dhaka South City Corporation's Nagar Bhaban, the health minister said the outbreak had struck "like a monstrous force" but had now been "arrested".
"I will not claim 100% success, but we have successfully brought the disease under control so far," he said.
The campaign, which began on 5 April in 30 upazilas across 18 districts, has now been expanded to densely populated areas, including Dhaka, Mymensingh and Barishal city corporations.
"If we can ensure vaccination coverage for every child aged six to 59 months, we can protect ourselves from this devastating disease," he said, urging officials to reach every neighbourhood.
The minister also warned of a possible dengue surge, saying preparations had already begun, and stressed the need for proper chemical use in mosquito control.
Dhaka South Administrator Mohammad Abdus Salam blamed "negligence and failure of the previous government" in routine immunisation efforts for the outbreak.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) also launched its Emergency Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026 today, targeting around 500,000 children aged six months to five years.
The campaign, running from 12 April to 11 May, will operate through 558 centres across 10 zones, including 54 permanent and 502 temporary facilities, alongside evening and Friday outreach centres. A total of 594 vaccinators, 650 volunteers and 203 supervisors have been deployed.
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit inaugurated the Dhaka North's campaign in Korail, noting that the programme initially began in 17 upazilas before being expanded to four city corporations.
BMU opens isolation ward as measles cases raise concern
An isolation ward has been launched at Bangladesh Medical University to treat measles patients, amid growing concern over rising infections, an official said on Sunday.
Speaking at a roundtable on measles resurgence, Associate Professor Dr Jesmin Morshed confirmed that infected patients are already receiving care at the facility.
Experts at the event warned of increasing risks, urging a review of gaps in vaccination coverage and stronger containment measures.
BMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr F M Siddiqui noted a worrying trend of infections among infants under six months, calling for large-scale research and possible policy steps to strengthen immunity and protect future generations.
Nationwide vaccination from 20 April
State Minister Dr MA Muhit said a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign targeting children aged six to 59 months will begin on 20 April.
He said emergency vaccination drives have already started in high-risk areas, with immunisation underway in 30 upazilas across 18 districts since 5 April.
"We held an emergency meeting with Unicef and the World Health Organisation on 1 April and began vaccination in high-risk areas within four days," he said.
Highlighting the need for herd immunity, Muhit said at least 95% vaccination coverage is required to halt transmission.
"Measles is extremely contagious—one infected person can spread the virus to 18 others. We must ensure no child is left out," he said.
He added that efforts are being made to make healthcare more accessible for working people, noting that many day labourers lose income when seeking treatment.
