Suspected measles kills 1,000 in B'desh
Summary
Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has killed 999 suspected cases this year and infected more than 166,000 people, overwhelming hospitals and exposing major gaps in vaccination coverage. Health officials have launched an emergency immunization drive as doctors warn of severe complications among young children.
Key Points
- Bangladesh has recorded 999 suspected measles deaths since the start of the year, with more than 166,000 suspected cases reported.
- An emergency vaccination drive was launched in March with the World Health Organization, UNICEF and Gavi after the outbreak spread rapidly.
- Health experts say disruptions during the pandemic and missed vaccination campaigns left many children unprotected.
- Doctors at Dhaka Shishu Hospital are treating severe cases with complications such as pneumonia, diarrhea and encephalitis.
