Bangladesh measles outbreak kills over 1,000 children

Bangladesh is experiencing its deadliest measles outbreak in decades, with over 1,000 child deaths and 187,484 infections recorded since March, health officials confirmed Wednesday, attributing the crisis partly to vaccination program failures. The Directorate General of Health Services reported 1,002 fatalities, with officials admitting that roughly four million children missed inoculations, preventing herd immunity despite vaccinating over 18 million. Health spokesman Zahid Raihan noted chronic malnutrition is worsening the disease's impact on children. The outbreak is straining Bangladesh's healthcare system, which is simultaneously battling a severe dengue surge, with hospitals treating ten times their dengue capacity. Officials warn dengue cases may peak in late September, prompting a nationwide anti-dengue campaign launching Saturday.