Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh Kills 100 Children: Is India at Risk?

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deadly Measles outbreak in Bangladesh has triggered global concern after over 100 children died and thousands of infections were reported within weeks. Health officials have confirmed more than 900 cases and over 7,500 suspected infections since March 2026, making it one of the worst outbreaks in recent years. Experts warn that this is not an isolated crisis; it reflects a global rise in measles cases due to falling vaccination coverage and immunity gaps. But is India, the neighbour, also at risk?

What has caused a sudden surge?

A few reasons, according to experts, that may have led to a sudden surge in measles, a highly contagious virus causing high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a blotchy rash, spreading easily through air droplets, could be:

Falling vaccination coverage

The biggest driver is low immunisation rates. According to the World Health Organization, at least 95 per cent coverage with two doses is needed to prevent outbreaks. In Bangladesh, many affected children were unvaccinated or missed routine doses, leaving them vulnerable.

Disruptions in immunisation programmes

Routine vaccination campaigns have faced delays and disruptions, creating a large group of unprotected children. Missed immunisation schedules - especially for infants – have allowed the virus to spread rapidly. Also, news reports say vaccine supply gaps and distribution challenges in high-risk areas, along with limited healthcare access in some regions, have worsened the crisis, leaving many children unprotected.Also read: Doctor vs Google: How Self-Diagnosis Is Delaying Treatment and Raising Health Risks in India

Highly contagious nature of measles

Measles is among the most infectious diseases in the world. The virus spreads through coughs and sneezes and can infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to it. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling or encephalitis, and death, especially in malnourished children. A few common symptoms include:

• High fever
• Runny nose and cough
• Red eyes
• Skin rash

A global warning sign

The outbreak highlights a worrying global trend that measles is resurging worldwide due to declining vaccination rates, pandemic-related disruptions, and vaccine hesitancy, which has also been seen as the reason behind the surge of the disease in the United States. According to experts, even short gaps in immunisation can undo years of progress.

Is India at risk?

With close geographic proximity and a large population, India is not immune to risk. Even though experts believe the immunisation programs are pretty strong in India, low vaccination pockets, missed booster doses, and even significant urban-rural healthcare gaps could increase vulnerability if vigilance drops. India continues to grapple with a high burden of measles, accounting for a significant proportion of global deaths, particularly among children under five years of age. Despite progress, recent years saw an upsurge in cases between late 2022 and 2024, with over 13,000 cases reported between August 2023 and January 2024, ranking it among the top countries globally for outbreaks. Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, emerged as an epicenter.

Bangladesh is taking steps

Bangladesh says it has launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination drive, targeting millions of children to control the outbreak. Health experts are urging neighbouring countries, including India, to strengthen surveillance and immunisation coverage. The current outbreak is a stark reminder that vaccination is critical to public health. A highly contagious virus, combined with gaps in immunisation, can quickly turn deadly.