Bangladesh faces world's largest measles outbreak with 999 deaths after vaccination gaps

Bangladesh is facing its worst recorded measles outbreak, with 999 suspected and confirmed deaths since March, according to Reuters. The country, once close to eliminating the disease, now has the world's largest measles epidemic, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health authorities say missed vaccinations and vaccine supply problems, stemming from political turmoil following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, left children vulnerable. Over 166,000 suspected cases have been reported, with infants under nine months particularly at risk, and hospitals overwhelmed. The outbreak follows years of high vaccination coverage, but gaps in 2024 and 2025, including halted campaigns and procurement changes, created immunity holes. Hospitals are also strained by a concurrent dengue outbreak, with over 45,000 hospitalizations this year.