Bangladesh Measles Outbreak 2026: 610 Child Deaths and 86,000+ Cases Reported
Report period: 15 March to 5 June 2026. Sources: Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF.
Bangladesh is facing one of its most serious measles outbreaks in recent years. Between 15 March and 5 June 2026, 610 children died from measles or measles-like symptoms, and confirmed plus suspected cases crossed 86,000. Most deaths are in children under five, and health officials link the surge to falling routine vaccination coverage and a disrupted Vitamin A campaign.
A fast-spreading measles outbreak has killed 610 children in under three months. The total case count stands at 86,379, with 9,503 lab-confirmed and the rest listed as suspected. Chittagong and Dhaka divisions account for the highest death tolls. Children who never received a measles vaccine make up about 72% of those who died.
• Total deaths: 610 children
• Lab-confirmed measles deaths: 91
• Suspected (symptom-based) deaths: 519
• Total cases: 86,379
• Lab-confirmed cases: 9,503
• Suspected cases: 76,876
• Hospital admissions: 62,287
• Recovered and discharged: 58,154
Many deaths were recorded as “suspected” because they were diagnosed on symptoms alone without lab confirmation. During an active outbreak, health authorities treat these as measles-driven for response planning.
Out of the country’s eight divisions, Chittagong and Dhaka carry the heaviest burden, together making up nearly two-thirds of all deaths.
| Rank | Division | Total Deaths | Share (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chittagong | 215 | 35.2% |
| 2 | Dhaka | 178 | 29.2% |
| 3 | Sylhet | 74 | 12.1% |
| 4 | Barishal | 46 | 7.5% |
| 5 | Khulna | 33 | 5.4% |
| 6 | Rajshahi | 25 | 4.1% |
| 7 | Rangpur | 23 | 3.8% |
| 8 | Mymensingh | 16 | 2.6% |
| - | Total | 610 | 100% |
In the most recent 24-hour window, 5 children died: 4 in Dhaka division and 1 in Sylhet.
Young children are bearing almost the entire impact of this outbreak.
• Under 5 years: 79% to 82% of all cases and deaths
• Under 2 years: 66% of the under-five group
• Under 9 months: 33% of total cases. This is alarming because the first measles dose is not given before 9 months under national guidelines, leaving these infants unprotected.
The case data shows this outbreak is driven mainly by gaps in vaccine coverage.
• Zero-dose children: About 72% of those infected or who died never received their first measles (MR) dose.
• Partially vaccinated: About 16% got the first dose but missed the booster or second dose.
• Fully vaccinated: Only 12% to 17% were infected after both doses, which falls within the normal limits of vaccine effectiveness.
• Female children: 51%
• Male children: 49%
Both sexes face roughly equal risk.
DGHS has flagged 30 areas across 20 districts as high-risk hotspots.
• Urban Dhaka: Dense neighborhoods are seeing intense spread, including Demra, Jatrabari, Kamrangirchar, Korail slum, Mirpur, and the Tejgaon industrial area.
• Rural and remote areas: Outbreaks are worst where routine vaccination has dropped below 50%. Affected districts include Chittagong, Brahmanbaria, Manikganj, Noakhali, Faridpur, Habiganj, and Joypurhat.
According to UNICEF and public health experts, neglect of routine immunization combined with a disruption in last year’s Vitamin A capsule campaign has weakened children’s immunity. As a result, measles complications such as pneumonia and diarrhea are pushing the death rate higher.
• Launch emergency “crash program” vaccination campaigns immediately in affected and high-risk areas.
• Raise awareness among mothers and ensure isolation to protect infants under 9 months.
• Strengthen field-level distribution of Vitamin A capsules.
How many children have died in the Bangladesh measles outbreak in 2026?
610 children died between 15 March and 5 June 2026, including 91 lab-confirmed and 519 suspected measles deaths.
Which division has the most measles deaths?
Chittagong division has the most, with 215 deaths (35.2%), followed by Dhaka with 178 deaths (29.2%).
What age group is most affected?
Children under 5 account for 79% to 82% of cases and deaths, and 33% of cases are infants under 9 months who are too young for their first dose.
What is the main cause of the outbreak?
Falling routine vaccination coverage and a disrupted Vitamin A campaign, leaving about 72% of affected children completely unvaccinated against measles.
Is measles preventable?
Yes. Two doses of the measles vaccine provide strong protection, which is why experts are urging emergency catch-up immunization.
This report is based on official figures from DGHS, WHO, and UNICEF for the period 15 March to 5 June 2026.