Bangladesh health authorities announced Wednesday that the measles outbreak has claimed more than 1,000 child deaths since March, marking the nation's deadliest such epidemic in decades.

The Directorate General of Health Services reported 1,009 total deaths, including 909 suspected and 100 confirmed measles fatalities. Suspected cases reached 168,745 with 19,933 laboratory-confirmed infections. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified the situation as the world's largest ongoing measles outbreak.

The outbreak began in mid-March and has spread across 58 of Bangladesh's 64 districts. Children under five have accounted for the majority of cases and deaths. Hospitals in major cities like Dhaka report overcrowded wards, shortages of beds, and an influx of patients suffering severe respiratory complications often worsened by malnutrition.

Officials attributed the surge to gaps in vaccination coverage. A nationwide emergency drive launched in April reached 18 million children but missed roughly four million others. Procurement changes following political upheaval, delayed campaigns in 2024 and 2025, and vaccine supply issues left many vulnerable, particularly infants too young for routine shots. Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain cited these factors in parliamentary remarks.

Experts described the scale as unprecedented. Former Institute of Epidemiology director Mahmudur Rahman told Reuters that Bangladesh had never seen so many measles deaths or cases in a single year. The outbreak has strained the healthcare system alongside a concurrent dengue surge.

Authorities continue targeted vaccination efforts and searches for unvaccinated children. Spokesman Zahid Raihan stated that achieving herd immunity proved difficult but teams remain active in outreach. The government has emphasized ongoing immunization to reduce future casualties.