Bangladesh measles outbreak nears 1,000 child fatalities
Bangladesh measles toll nears grim 1,000-child mark
Dhaka, Bangladesh is experiencing a devastating measles outbreak that has claimed the lives of at least 986 children since March, with the death toll nearing 1,000. The epidemic has overwhelmed hospital facilities, with Dhaka's Shishu Hospital reporting 101 children admitted with suspected or confirmed measles. Symptoms include a red rash, high fever, coughing, and in severe cases, brain swelling and breathing difficulties.
The outbreak has exposed gaps in Bangladesh's vaccination efforts, with a planned 2024 measles drive delayed by political unrest. The government has since launched a mass vaccination campaign, but the number of cases continues to rise, with over 1,000 suspected cases reported daily. Young children, particularly those aged six months to five years, are most vulnerable to the highly contagious virus with no specific treatment once contracted.
Mothers like Sanjana Islam Modina, who has a six-month-old son Ayan with measles, face the grim reality of the disease's rapid progression and the need for constant medical attention.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 4 other outlets
- 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 hospital wards overflow scmp.com
- Bangladesh measles outbreak nears 1,000 child deaths as cases cross 180,000 timesofindia.indiatimes.com
