Bangladesh measles outbreak kills 1,000 children, worst in decades

Bangladesh's measles outbreak has killed 1,002 children since March, making it the country's deadliest in decades, health officials confirmed Wednesday, admitting vaccination failures may have fueled the crisis. The Directorate General of Health Services reported 187,484 infections among children. Officials said over 18 million children were vaccinated, but roughly four million were missed, preventing herd immunity. Chronic malnutrition and a simultaneous dengue surge are straining hospitals. Measles spreads through coughs and sneezes, with complications including brain swelling and breathing problems. Authorities plan to continue vaccinations, though officials acknowledge controlling the outbreak requires addressing malnutrition alongside immunization efforts.