Deadly Victorian disease outbreak kills more than 100 children

More than 100 children have died in a deadly outbreak of measles in Bangladesh, leading the country to launch an urgent vaccination drive. More than 900 cases of the highly contagious viral infection have been confirmed since March, with thousands more suspected. Images from Bangladesh showed hospital wards packed with sick infants.

Health officials have reported that one-third of those infected are under 9 months old — an age group not yet eligible for routine vaccination. Unicef, the WHO and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have joined forces with the government of Bangladesh to launch an urgent campaign. More than one million children aged between six months and five years will be offered the jab.

There will also be a particular focus on the capital city of Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, home to densely-populated Rohingya refugee camps.

Rana Flowers, Unicef’s representative in Bangladesh, said: “Vaccines are foundational to child survival. Unicef is deeply concerned about the sharp rise in measles cases across Bangladesh, putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk.

“This resurgence highlights critical immunity gaps, particularly among zero-dose and under-vaccinated children, while infections among infants under nine months, who are not yet eligible for routine vaccination, are especially alarming.”

Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms — including a high temperature, running nose and sneezing — followed by a rash a few days later.

Babies and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures.

Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO representative to Bangladesh, said the jab campaign would “help prevent further tragic loss of young lives and close the immunity gaps driving the outbreak”.

He added: “The measles–rubella vaccine is safe, effective and has protected billions of children worldwide – it is our strongest defence against this fast-spreading disease.”

Dirk Gehl, Gavi’s senior country manager for Bangladesh, said: “The loss of children’s lives in this outbreak is a tragic reminder that measles can quickly turn deadly when immunity gaps persist. It is urgent that we work together as effectively as possible to bring the current situation under control.”