Description
Since 15 March 2026 to 4 May 2026, a cumulative total of 41,793 suspected measles cases has been reported nationwide. During the most recent 24 hour reporting period, 1,302 cases were recorded. In the current surge situation, all suspected cases are considered as measles cases and treated accordingly. A total of 5,567 laboratory confirmed measles cases have been reported since mid March 2026. Hospital surveillance data indicate 28,842 cumulative admissions for measles, during the same period. Measles associated mortality remains high. Since 15 March 2026, a total of 253 suspected measles deaths has been reported nationally. In the most recent reporting period, six suspected deaths were recorded. Dhaka Division reports the highest cumulative burden, with 18,975 cases, and 34 confirmed deaths. Substantial case burdens are also reported from Rajshahi and Chattogram divisions. The 2026 measles surge represents a dramatic escalation, with confirmed cases jumping to more than 5400 compared to fewer than 280 annually in the previous five years. Currently, country is having more than 1300 daily cases whereas in 2025 there were 125 cases annually. This surge signals widespread transmission with pressure on health services, routine immunization, and outbreak response capacity. According to the latest EPI coverage evaluation data (2023), national coverage for the first and second doses of the measles–rubella (MR) vaccine stands at 86.1% and 80.7%, respectively. This leaves a substantial proportion of children unvaccinated. Over time, the accumulation of unvaccinated children across successive birth cohorts—typically over four to five years—creates a large pool of susceptible children, increasing the risk of measles outbreaks. In the ongoing nationwide MR vaccination campaign, the Government set an ambitious target coverage of 99.25% . However, current administrative coverage has reached only 60.57%. In response to this shortfall, the Government has decided to extend the campaign, revising the end date from 10–12 May 2026 to 20 May 2026 to allow additional time for catch-up activities. As of 29 April 2026, according to EPI and DGHS data, several districts are reporting particularly low coverage, with less than 50% of the target population reached. These include Brahmanbaria (37.13%), Manikganj (38.27%), Noakhali (39.99%), Chattogram District (41.61%), Faridpur (46.63%), Habiganj (47.24%), and Joypurhat (47.24%). During the recent MR campaign partners’ coordination meeting held on 28 April 2026, EPI specifically requested the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) to scale up volunteer support in these low-performing districts to help improve coverage during the extended campaign period. Strengthening community mobilization, expanding outreach in hard-to-reach locations, and improving coordination at the local level will be critical to increasing coverage and reducing the risk of measles outbreaks. To achieve herd immunity, at least 95% vaccination coverage is required. The campaign is prioritizing children who have missed routine immunization and those most vulnerable to severe illness and complications. Measles Epidemiological context in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Camps, Bangladesh: As of 26 April 2026, a total of 331 suspected measles cases had been reported. Eleven suspected outbreaks were reported across camps, with laboratory-confirmed outbreaks increasing from two to eight camps. The annualized measles incidence reached 150.9 cases per million population, a substantial increase compared to the previous year (5.10 cases per million). Weekly syndromic surveillance data indicate a sharp rise in measles consultations from epidemiological weeks 12–15 of 2026, suggesting intensified transmission during April. Children under five years accounted for 61% of laboratory-confirmed cases in 2026, including 22% among infants younger than nine months. A notable proportion of cases (37%) occurred among children aged 5–15 years, indicating susceptibility extending beyond the under-five age group. Females represented 51% of confirmed cases. Vaccination status data show that 83% of confirmed cases were either unvaccinated (zero dose) or partially vaccinated (single dose). Only 17% of cases had received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, consistent with historical trends observed from 2017–2026 Transmission Dynamics: Transmission patterns are consistent with person-to-person spread in high-density refugee camp settings. Intense transmission was observed between epidemiological weeks 12–17 of 2026, with camps 2E, 3, and 17 experiencing the highest attack rates. The clustering of cases among unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children indicates persistent immunity gaps sustaining transmission across multiple camps Key Epidemiological Implications: The epidemiological evidence indicates active and expanding measles transmission in Rohingya camps during 2026, with incidence markedly exceeding recent years. The shift in case burden toward older children suggests accumulated susceptibility beyond routine target age groups. Persistent zero-dose and partial vaccination among confirmed cases continues to drive outbreak risk in densely populated camp environments. Mortality data and case fatality ratios were not reported, limiting assessment of disease severity.