Bangladesh’s Measles Outbreak Raises a Warning for Other Nations

Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has caused at least 175,198 suspected cases and 1,044 confirmed and suspected deaths between March 15 and September 16, health officials reported. Most infections have affected unvaccinated children under two. Experts say the outbreak is a warning to other countries because routine vaccination gaps can leave communities vulnerable even when national coverage appears high. Bangladesh’s measles vaccination rate fell to 86% in 2025, and 400,000 children lacked recommended vaccines. Officials launched a campaign targeting 18 million children.