Bangladesh measles outbreak nears 1,000 child deaths as hospital wards overflow
Bangladesh’s deadliest measles outbreak in decades is nearing the grim milestone of 1,000 child deaths, as a devastating epidemic sweeps through the country and crowded hospital wards fill with struggling babies. Cries of sick children and the hiss of oxygen machines fill the air at Dhaka’s Shishu Hospital, where Rima Akter keeps a vigil beside her nine-month-old son. “Just an hour ago, a child…
A devastating measles outbreak in Bangladesh has claimed at least 986 young lives since March, with the death toll nearing 1,000, according to the latest health ministry figures. The epidemic has overwhelmed hospital wards across the country, with Dhaka's Shishu Hospital filling with infants and young children suffering from the highly contagious disease.
Among those affected is nine-month-old Sabit Haque, whose mother Rima Akter anxiously waits at the children's hospital. Measles, which spreads through coughs and sneezes and has no specific treatment, can lead to severe complications such as brain swelling and breathing problems. Suspected and confirmed cases have surpassed 180,000, despite a mass vaccination drive underway.
The disease mainly affects children aged six months to five years, many of whom arrive at hospitals already critically ill, with malnutrition further weakening their immune systems. Doctors at the hospital emphasize the importance of preventive measures, including isolating infected children, practicing good hygiene, and using masks.
Experts call for a broader vaccination campaign to contain the outbreak and address gaps in Bangladesh's vaccination efforts.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Bangladesh measles toll nears grim 1,000-child mark channelnewsasia.com
- Bangladesh’s measles death toll nears grim 1,000-child mark freemalaysiatoday.com
- Bangladesh measles outbreak nears 1,000 child deaths as cases cross 180,000 timesofindia.indiatimes.com
