Dhaka: Bangladesh’s deadliest measles outbreak in decades is approaching a devastating threshold, with at least 986 child deaths recorded since March and total suspected and confirmed cases surging past 180,000, according to health ministry figures. Overwhelmed pediatric wards across the capital, including Dhaka’s Shishu Hospital, are battling a steady influx of critically ill infants as healthcare workers struggle to contain the rapidly spreading epidemic.

Public health officials report that more than 1,000 suspected cases are being logged daily nationwide, primarily affecting children between six months and five years of age. The crisis has been compounded by high rates of malnutrition, which severely weakens young immune systems and increases the risk of fatal complications like pneumonia and brain swelling. Doctors note that many infants are arriving at specialised facilities in critical condition, requiring constant oxygen support and intensive care.

The current surge has highlighted significant gaps in the country's routine immunisation coverage. While Bangladesh previously maintained strong vaccination rates, national immunisation drives scheduled for 2024 and 2025 faced severe disruptions and delays due to political instability, mass protests, and labor strikes. SM Ziauddin Hyder, special assistant to the Prime Minister for health, termed the crisis "devastating" and confirmed that health authorities have deployed emergency mass vaccination teams to close the immunity gap and stem further transmission.