At least 98 children have died in Bangladesh over the past three weeks in a suspected measles outbreak, with cases rapidly increasing across the country. Health Ministry data show that 6,476 children aged between six months and five years have reported symptoms, prompting urgent vaccination efforts, especially in the worst-affected areas of Dhaka.

Officials said the number of infections and deaths is significantly higher than in recent years, attributing the surge to multiple factors including vaccine shortages and gaps in immunisation programmes. While 826 cases have been confirmed with 16 deaths, experts warn many cases go untested, suggesting the actual toll could be higher.

Authorities have begun targeted vaccination drives in identified hotspots and plan to expand coverage nationwide. Health experts have raised concerns over delays in vaccine procurement and disrupted immunisation campaigns, warning that the situation remains serious as measles continues to pose a major risk to young children.