Labonnya Liza ; Dhaka – The measles outbreak in Bangladesh remains severe, with daily infections averaging over 1,100. In a worrying demographic shift, public health experts warn that measles can no longer be viewed solely as a childhood disease, as one in every six infected individuals is now an adult.
The rapid spread of the highly contagious virus within households is leaving older children, adolescents, and adults increasingly vulnerable.
According to the latest daily update from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) for the 24 hours leading up to 8:00 AM yesterday, seven more children died from measles-related symptoms. Of these deaths, four were reported in Dhaka, and one each in Chattogram, Mymensingh, and Khulna. During the same 24-hour window, 1,287 new infections and suspected cases were recorded countrywide.
Unprecedented Death Toll and Hospitalization Rates
Since the outbreak flared up on March 15, a total of 620 deaths linked to measles and its complications have been recorded. Among these, 529 died with measles symptoms, while 91 deaths were laboratory-confirmed.
DGHS data shows that since March 15, approximately 79,000 children have exhibited measles symptoms, with 64,263 requiring hospitalization. Of those admitted, 60,084 have recovered and returned home.
A significant portion of these patients—6,934 in total—received treatment at the DNCC COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital in Dhaka. The hospital has recorded 41 deaths so far, and 328 patients currently remain admitted.
One in Three Patients Over Five Years Old
An analysis of 5,811 patients admitted to the DNCC Dedicated Hospital reveals a stark reality: one-third of all patients are over five years of age. While children under five still represent the majority (64%), older demographics are heavily impacted:
- Under 6 months: 359 patients (6.17%)
- 7 to 9 months: 694 patients (11.94%)
- 10 months to 2 years: 1,471 patients (25.31%)
- 2 to 5 years: 1,194 patients (20.54%)
- 5 to 10 years: 768 patients (13.21%)
- 10 to 15 years: 417 patients (7.17%)
- 15 to 30 years: 584 patients (10.05%)
- Over 30 years: 324 patients (5.57%)
Together, patients older than 15 account for approximately 15.6% of the total caseload, meaning nearly one in every six patients is an adult.
A Record-Breaking Outbreak
The current surge has shattered all recent historical data. In 2025, Bangladesh recorded only 132 confirmed measles cases. Over the five years prior, annual case numbers were recorded at 2,410, 203, 311, 281, and 247, respectively. The scale of the 2026 outbreak represents a multi-decade high.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) collaborative surveillance shows that measles deaths were previously rare and isolated: one death in 2016, ten in 2017 (within the Tripura ethnic community), six in 2018, and seven in Bandarban in 2020. Public health officials state they have never seen transmission and mortality rates on the scale of the current outbreak.
Rohingya Camps Also Affected
According to the latest United Nations situation report, as of May 20, 57,856 suspected and 8,067 confirmed measles cases have been identified across all 64 districts. Children under five make up 81% of these nationwide cases.
The situation is also critical in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, where 595 suspected and 60 confirmed cases have been recorded, resulting in five deaths. In the camps, 63% of the cases are among children under five, with 20% under nine months old—a demographic that falls below the age for the routine Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.
Why Are Adults Getting Infected?
There are currently 42 adult measles patients admitted to the DNCC Dedicated Hospital, five of whom require intensive care. Among them is 35-year-old Hasan Mahmud सुमन, who traveled from Lama in Bandarban and is currently fighting for his life in the ICU. His family noted that his health deteriorated drastically within just two days of showing symptoms.
Dr. Asif Haidar, a physician at the DNCC Dedicated Hospital, explained the danger:
“Many people falsely believe measles only targets young children. However, we are seeing a steady stream of adult patients who present with severe complications like pneumonia and respiratory distress. Those who were never vaccinated in childhood, missed their booster doses, never had measles before, or have compromised immune systems are at a very high risk.”
Medical experts emphasize that alongside aggressive vaccination drives, prompt isolation of patients and household quarantine measures are vital to stop the virus from jumping from children to older family members.
Waiting for the Vaccine’s Impact
DGHS Director General, Professor Dr. Probhat Chandra Biswas, noted a slight dip in infection rates around the Eid holidays, which he described as a positive indicator.
“We will have to wait until mid-June to see the full impact of our recent mass vaccination campaign,” Dr. Biswas stated. “It generally takes two to four weeks for the body to develop sufficient antibodies after receiving the vaccine.”