Measles breaks out amid vaccine shortage; govt steps up response
The number of infected children is rising daily, and several child deaths have already been reported in Dhaka
An 11-month-old child from Hajiganj in Chandpur, Abdur Rahman, was admitted to Padma General Hospital on the night of 15 March after his family struggled to secure a NICU bed at several hospitals in Dhaka. He died on 19 March after four days of treatment. His doctor told The Business Standard that he died of post-measles pneumonia.
A relative, Masum Billah, said Abdur Rahman had not received the measles vaccine at nine months of age due to a shortage in his area.
Earlier, on 16 March, another patient died at the Infectious Diseases Hospital after failing to get an ICU bed. Following the incident, ICU beds were introduced at the hospital the next day after intervention by the health minister.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
A worrying outbreak of measles is now spreading across the country. The number of infected children is rising daily, and several child deaths have already been reported in Dhaka. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the surge in patients. Three children died of measles in Rajshahi and three in Mymensingh yesterday.
Public health experts say last year's disruption in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), vaccine shortages, and field-level staff protests prevented many children from receiving timely measles vaccinations – one of the key reasons behind the outbreak.
A more concerning trend is the high infection rate among children under nine months, who are not yet due for vaccination.
The health ministry said it has allocated Tk604 crore on an emergency basis to procure new EPI vaccines. Plans are also underway to prepare dedicated hospitals, increase ICU beds and ventilators, and launch special vaccination campaigns.
Vaccine shortage and programme disruptions raise risks
Dr Nizam Uddin, public health expert and chair of the CSO Constituency Steering Committee of the GAVI, told The Business Standard that routine immunisation activities have been disrupted for nearly a year.
"At different times, vaccine supplies were unavailable, and due to staff protests, field-level vaccination could not be carried out properly. As a result, many children missed their vaccinations," he said.
He added that around 30-35% vacancies in EPI posts also hampered the programme.
"Previously, measles outbreaks were quickly brought under control. This time the situation is concerning. There are shortages of multiple vaccines, including measles. Children who missed scheduled doses are now the most affected," he said.
He warned that the infection is spreading across different regions and could worsen without urgent action. "A measles catch-up campaign must begin immediately. High-risk areas should be targeted and all children vaccinated, regardless of prior vaccination status. Additional doses may be needed. In special cases, even children under nine months may be vaccinated."
Under the EPI schedule, children receive the first MMR dose at nine months and a second dose at 15 months.
Sources said that after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, the interim government planned to exit the fifth sector programme. As a result, EPI vaccine procurement was halted, leading to shortages in 2025.
Dr Kamruzzaman, assistant professor at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, said measles is a highly contagious viral disease characterised by fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rashes, spreading through respiratory droplets and close contact.
"There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Symptoms are managed with rest, fluids, and medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen under medical supervision," he said.
He added that delayed vaccination and low immunity have contributed to the outbreak among children. "We are struggling to manage cases of post-measles pneumonia. Most patients we are seeing are between six months and three years old."
Infections spreading nationwide
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, measles cases are spreading across Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, and other regions.
Dr Mohammad Shahriar Sajjad, Deputy Director (EPI), told The Business Standard that the outbreak is no longer confined to specific areas.
"It is spreading across much of the country, including Rajshahi and Khulna. Such outbreaks, typically starting in spring, may last around two months. The number of cases has already exceeded 1,500, though we do not yet have accurate data on deaths," he said.
He noted that the most concerning trend is the high infection rate among children under nine months, who are not yet due for vaccination.
"This means they are getting infected before they even receive their vaccines," he said.
To address the situation, authorities may implement outbreak response vaccination campaigns in affected areas, including revaccination of previously vaccinated children if necessary.
"Unvaccinated children are the most affected. Parents must ensure timely vaccination," he added.
He also said a meeting of the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Committee (NITAG) is scheduled for Monday to decide on further vaccination strategies.
Currently, the Infectious Diseases Hospital is treating the highest number of measles patients. The 100-bed facility is accommodating around 130 patients, with many being treated in corridors and verandas. One child has died there from measles. Doctors also report heavy pressure in paediatric wards of children's hospitals and medical colleges.
Government response
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain told The Business Standard that there has been a shortage of measles vaccines, which persists.
"In response to the outbreak, Tk604 crore has been allocated to procure vaccines. Vaccination will begin as soon as supplies arrive," he said.
He added that the Infectious Diseases Hospital has been designated for measles treatment and that the situation is under strict monitoring.
"If the outbreak escalates further, we have kept the DNCC Covid-dedicated hospital ready, and a seven-bed ICU in Manikganj has also been prepared," he said.
He also noted a shortage of ventilators. "I have personally arranged funds for three ventilators, and three to four new machines will be procured for neonatal care. The children's hospital has been kept ready. We will also work to raise awareness about vaccination," he added.
