On 4 April 2026, the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point for Bangladesh notified WHO of a nationwide increase in measles cases, geographically affecting 58 out of 64 districts across all eight divisions in Bangladesh. A total of 19 161 suspected measles cases and 2897 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported between 15 March and 14 April 2026, including 166 measles related deaths (CFR 0.9%). The majority (79%) of the reported cases are children aged under 5 years. A targeted measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign started on 5 April, and various outbreak response measures are ongoing including strengthening nationwide surveillance and epidemiological analysis to enhance case detection and reporting. Based on currently available information, WHO assesses the risk at the national level as high due to ongoing transmission across multiple divisions, the large number of susceptible children, documented immunity gaps, and the occurrence of suspected measles-related deaths.

On 4 April 2026, the National IHR Focal Point of Bangladesh notified WHO of a significant increase in measles cases, driven by sustained domestic transmission. Since January 2026, Bangladesh has experienced a marked increase in measles cases. Geographically, cases have been reported across all eight divisions, in 58 out of 64 districts (91% of districts), indicating widespread transmission nationally.  

Since 15 March 2026 and as of 14 April, a total of 19 161 suspected measles cases and 2973 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported. Moreover, 166 suspected measles-related deaths (CFR 0.9%) and 30 confirmed measles-related deaths (CFR= 1.1%) have been recorded. A total of 12 318 hospital admissions and 9772 hospital discharges have also been reported. 

The highest cumulative burden of suspected measles cases since 15 March 2026 has been reported in Dhaka (8263 cases), Rajshahi (3747 cases), Chattogram (2514 cases), and Khulna (1568 cases). In Dhaka, cases are concentrated in densely populated informal settlements, including Demra, Jatrabari, Kamrangirchar, Korail, Mirpur, and Tejgaon industrial and slum clusters.  (HEOC, DGHS, 15 April 2026).

Children aged under 5 years account for the majority of reported cases (79%), including children aged under 2 years (66%) and infants aged under 9 months (33%). A total of 166 suspected deaths have been reported (CFR 1%), mainly among unvaccinated children aged under 2 years.