A deadly measles wave ravages Bangladesh, claiming four more young lives and elevating the toll to 280 since March 15. Health authorities at DGHS reported the spike, as suspected cases ballooned by 170 in a single day to 38,301 total.
Confirmed cases reached 5,146 with 115 new positives logged. Among the dead, 49 cases are officially measles-related, and 231 are probable, signaling gaps in diagnosis and care. Over 900 patients cycled through hospitals in recent days—942 admitted, 893 released.
This outbreak exposes cracks in a health sector long praised for EPI achievements that tamed vaccine-preventable diseases. Yet, 2025’s vaccination rate crashed to 60%, shattering a decade of highs around 90%.
WHO’s stern warning echoes: Ramp up monitoring, response, and two-dose coverage to 95% in cities, or risk exponential spread. One infected individual can doom 18 others, experts note, urging swift intervention before the epidemic engulfs more communities.
As Dhaka grapples with this public health emergency, calls grow for systemic overhaul to prevent further tragedy and restore faith in immunization drives that once saved millions.
