Measles situation turns into pandemic, humanitarian disaster looms

Staff Correspondent

Public health experts fear that measles infections in Bangladesh are on the rise this season, heading towards a pandemic. The upward trend, which began in March, reached a terrifying peak across the country in mid-April. Out of 64 districts, 56 have reported cases, highlighting the immense pressure and management weaknesses of the public health system.

Latest figures on infections and deaths

According to the Department of Health, the number of suspected measles patients in the last 24 hours is 1,371. The total number of suspected patients from March 15 to April 13 stands at 17,24.

At the same time, there were 82 confirmed measles cases in the last 24 hours, and the total number of confirmed cases from March 15 to April 13 is 2,721.

Two more people have died of confirmed measles in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths from March 15 to April 13 to 30.

On the other hand, five people have died of suspected measles in the last 24 hours. The total number of suspected deaths during the same period has reached 156.

That is, the total number of confirmed and suspected cases from March 15 to April 13 is about 20,000 and the death toll is 186. However, according to health experts, the actual number may be higher, as there is a lack of diagnosis and reporting in many cases.

Situation level: Fear of getting out of control

Public health experts say that if the rate of infection continues at this rate, the situation could turn into a humanitarian disaster. Infection and mortality rates are alarmingly high, especially among children.

According to experts, major disruptions in vaccination programs are the root cause of this crisis.

Comparison with previous years and increase in infections

According to the Asian region’s goal, measles and rubella were supposed to be eliminated from Bangladesh by 2026. But recent figures are calling that goal into question.

The measles infection rate per million population in 2022 was 1.41, 1.60 in 2023, 1.43 in 2024, and 0.72 in 2025. However, this year, the rate has suddenly increased to 16.8 percent, which is unusual and worrying according to health experts.

The decline of the vaccination program

According to the Department of Health, in 2017, the coverage of MR-1 vaccine was 87.4 percent and MR-2 was 77.7 percent. In 2018, it was 86.4 and 84.4 percent. In 2019, it was 88.1 and 86.1 percent, and in 2020, it was 81.7 and 80.5 percent.

In 2021, it increased to 97.3 and 94.8 percent. In 2022, MR-1 was 100 percent and MR-2 was 97.9 percent. However, in 2023 and 2024, the coverage was between 85 and 90 percent, but it decreased dramatically in 2025.

In 2025, MR-1 vaccine coverage dropped to 56.5 percent and MR-2 to 57.1 percent. As a result, about 43.8 percent of children remained unvaccinated, which is the lowest in the last decade.

Causes of increased infection

According to experts, this massive shortage of vaccinations has caused the spread of measles to spiral out of control. The virus is spreading rapidly as herd immunity has broken down.

In addition, the Vitamin A Plus campaign has been virtually disrupted for more than a year, which has reduced children’s immunity.

Malnutrition is also being identified as another major cause. Malnutrition rates are reported to be high among affected children, which increases the risk of death.

Former Chief Scientific Officer of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research Dr. Mushtaq Hossain said that during the Corona pandemic, vaccination activities at the field level were disrupted. Many children did not receive vaccinations on time. Later, as the mass vaccination program was also suspended, the number of unvaccinated children continued to increase, which led to an explosion of measles this year. It has become an epidemic due to children not getting vaccinated. When any infection becomes excessive, the virus acquires deadly power.

Public health expert and president of the Public Health Association of Bangladesh, Dr. Abu Jamil Faisal, said that if the outbreak investigation was conducted at the initial stage, the real cause could have been determined. He believes that multiple factors, including vaccine procurement, supply and manpower shortages, worked together.

Disagreement over whether it is a pandemic or not

According to experts, when a disease increases abnormally beyond normal limits, it is considered an epidemic.

Dr. Abu Jamil Faisal says the word pandemic is not being used now because people will be afraid.

On the other hand, public health expert and chairman of Health and Hope Hospital Dr. Lelin Chowdhury said, in the last 15-20 years, so many people have not been infected with measles in Bangladesh and so many deaths have not been reported. This year, the incidence of measles has increased significantly. Therefore, according to the definition of the World Health Organization, it can be considered an epidemic. A measles epidemic has begun in the country.

Urgent action called for prevention

Experts say the situation could become even more dire if an emergency vaccination program is not launched quickly at the national level.

Dr. Abu Jamil Faisal said, “Children become very weak when they get measles. Many of them die. As a result, even if there is an outbreak of measles, children should be brought under regular healthcare. Just as we followed a timeline during the coronavirus, we should follow hygiene rules in the same way.”

Former Director of the Disease Control Department of the Directorate General of Health Services and Public Health Professor Dr. Benazir Ahmed said, “The most important thing at this moment is to ensure that no child dies. For this, it is necessary to improve the quality of treatment. That is, we need to emphasize measles treatment. We have a shortage of treatment. With the number of patients being admitted now, it is not unusual for this situation to continue for the next four to eight weeks. If treatment does not improve, then we will have to accept the death of our children every day.”

He also said that national guidelines are essential for doctors at the upazila and district levels. At the same time, necessary medicines and medical equipment must be ensured. Although there is a vaccination program, it is not enough—more coordinated and rapid action is needed in emergency situations. He also emphasized on bringing the situation to the public through regular briefings.