Bangladesh — A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has led to 15 confirmed deaths, officials said on Wednesday, as the ​government readies to launch an emergency immunization program ‌as part of efforts to try to contain the disease.

Health Services Division Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury said the deaths were confirmed after laboratory ​testing of 33 samples, conducted with support from the ​World Health Organization. “Of the tested samples, 15 deaths ⁠have been directly linked to measles infection,” he said.

Measles, ​among the most infectious of pathogens, requires that 95% of ​the population be vaccinated in order to prevent its spread.