Bangladesh reports 1,147 measles deaths in the worst outbreak of the year, with children under five accounting for 94 per cent of deaths

22 October 2026

Bangladesh is facing the worst measles outbreak in the world this year, going by World Health Organization data.
Since mid-March there have been over 2.02 lakh suspected cases and 1,147 deaths.
Children under five account for 94 per cent of the reported deaths.
About 22,000 cases have been laboratory-confirmed.
World Health Organization and UNICEF estimates put 2025 vaccination coverage at 90 per cent for the first dose and 86 per cent for the second, both below the 95 per cent threshold recommended to prevent outbreaks.
Health experts have urged the government to strengthen routine immunisation and extend vaccination drives to children above five.