The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for immediate action to curb the ongoing measles outbreak in Bangladesh, warning that continued spread is likely without stronger surveillance, faster response systems, and improved vaccination coverage.
WHO recommended ensuring at least 95% coverage with both doses of the measles-containing vaccine across all municipalities alongside strengthening integrated surveillance systems to quickly detect suspected cases in public and private healthcare facilities.
Special emphasis has been placed on high-traffic border areas, where enhanced monitoring is needed to rapidly identify and respond to suspected infections.
The agency also stressed the importance of deploying trained rapid response teams and activating national protocols to contain imported cases and prevent the re-establishment of endemic transmission. Close coordination between national and local authorities is considered essential.
During outbreaks, WHO advisee strict hospital management measures, including isolating patients and minimizing contact with others to prevent in-hospital transmission.
Vaccination efforts should prioritise high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, transport and tourism staff, and international travelers.
The agency also recommended targeted immunization campaigns for migrant populations in border regions to boost overall immunity. Maintaining adequate vaccine stockpiles and ensuring access for vulnerable groups—including displaced and underserved populations—are also critical.
Despite the outbreak, WHO does not advise any travel or trade restrictions at this stage.
The agency has assessed the national risk as high due to ongoing transmission, a large number of susceptible children, immunity gaps, and suspected measles-related deaths. Most cases are among unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children, including infants too young for vaccination, raising concerns about severe outcomes and uninterrupted spread.
The outbreak marks a setback in Bangladesh’s earlier progress toward measles elimination and highlights growing vulnerability to sustained transmission. Cross-border movement further increases the risk, particularly through major urban hubs such as Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar.
Measles remains a highly contagious disease and a leading cause of child mortality worldwide. In Bangladesh, the outbreak is driven by low immunity levels, with many affected children either unvaccinated or having received only one dose. Most cases—about 91%—are among children aged 1 to 14 years, indicating significant immunity gaps.
Although Bangladesh had previously achieved strong vaccination coverage and reduced measles incidence, recent vaccine shortages, gaps in routine immunization, and the lack of nationwide campaigns since 2020 have increased vulnerability.
Regionally, the risk remains high, with continued transmission across South-East Asia. Cross-border movement with India and Myanmar—where vaccination challenges and rising cases persist—further heightens the threat, particularly in border districts like Jashore and Chapainawabganj.
Globally, WHO rates the risk as moderate due to high population mobility and ongoing measles transmission worldwide, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance and immunization efforts.