What is measles and why is the Bangladesh measles outbreak spreading?
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by the measles morbillivirus, spreading when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, and it can be life-threatening, particularly for children under five and people with weakened immune systems. The virus can stay active in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, and an infected person can pass it on for up to four days before and four days after the rash appears. Cases are usually reported in Bangladesh during the cool, dry months from November to April, but the current outbreak has defied the normal pattern of spread, with some experts attributing it to immunisation gaps and weak vaccination programmes that lowered herd immunity.
Which areas in Bangladesh have reported the most measles cases?
Since 15 March, Bangladesh has reported a major outbreak that has killed 118 people, most of them children, with the Directorate General of Health Services reporting 1,599 confirmed and 11,133 suspected cases between 15 March and 8 April and 2,006 suspected patients in hospital care. More than 1,248 infections were reported in a single 24-hour span on 8 April, alerting officials to the speed of spread. Affected areas include Dhaka (Mohakhali and Dhaka city), the Chittagong division (Cox’s Bazar city, Moheshkhali, Ramu, Pahartali, Rumaliarchhara and the Rohingya refugee camps), the Rajshahi division (Chapai Nawabganj, Pabna, Natore and Rajshahi City), Mymensingh, Khulna (Mongla) and Barisal. On 5 April the government began an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign with UNICEF, WHO and Gavi, aiming to reach 1.2 million children under five in 30 high-risk upazilas, with 18 more added from 12 April. Several cases were also reported earlier this year in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps, one of the high-population zones where cases have concentrated alongside Dhaka. Hospitals named in the advisory include Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute and the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali.
What are the symptoms and who is at high risk?
Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after infection, starting with high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes; two to three days later, tiny white Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by a red rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body. Fever can spike to 104–105 degrees Fahrenheit and last seven to 10 days. Complications include ear infections, diarrhoea and dehydration, blindness, encephalitis, pneumonia and, rarely, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis seven to 10 years later. The highest-risk groups are unvaccinated children under five, unvaccinated pregnant women, unvaccinated adults over 30, people with weakened immune systems including those with HIV or cancer, healthcare workers and caregivers, and household contacts of confirmed cases. Doctors, nurses and attendants without adequate protective gear can contract the virus in hospitals, and complications can also lead to hospitalisation and premature births.
What are the business continuity risks?
The principal operational risk from the Bangladesh measles outbreak is workforce health rather than physical disruption, because the disease spreads easily in shared spaces such as cafeterias, meeting rooms, lifts and offices, and household contacts of confirmed cases face increased exposure. Absenteeism, staff in high-contact roles and employees travelling through affected districts are the main continuity concerns, while healthcare-associated exposure raises risk for anyone visiting hospitals or caring for patients. With 2,006 suspected patients in hospital care across the country and new infections surging, the situation may change quickly as vaccination expands to more upazilas from 12 April. Unvaccinated adults over 30 and staff with weakened immune systems, including diabetes, HIV or cancer therapy, may face higher severity. The advisory asks organisations to brief travellers on company protocols for medical evacuation or relocation if health deteriorates or cases escalate.
What should organisations and individuals do to prepare?
Organisations should activate internal health protocols in line with state advisories, set up symptom monitoring and reporting, provide hand hygiene stations and masks, clean shared surfaces and door handles often, and enforce strict stay-home guidance for staff with fever or respiratory complaints, using remote or staggered work where feasible. Employees at risk of exposure should be encouraged to get the MMR vaccine, and unvaccinated people are advised to take it within 72 hours of exposure. Individuals should see a doctor immediately if they have symptoms, avoid close contact with symptomatic people, follow official advisories, avoid sharing unverified rumours, and use WHO-recommended oral dehydration treatment to reduce complications. Tracking Bangladesh measles outbreak updates from the DGHS and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare remains essential.
Frequently asked questions
Who is most at risk from measles in Bangladesh?
Unvaccinated children under five, unvaccinated pregnant women, unvaccinated adults over 30, immunocompromised people, healthcare workers and household contacts of confirmed cases face the highest risk.
Is there a measles vaccination campaign in Bangladesh?
Yes. Since 5 April 2026 the government has run an emergency measles-rubella campaign with UNICEF, WHO and Gavi, targeting 1.2 million children under five in 30 high-risk upazilas, with 18 more from 12 April.
What are the emergency and hospital contact numbers in Dhaka and Bangladesh?
Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance): 999. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: +880-2-7160204 / +880-2-7168008. Infectious Diseases Hospital, Mohakhali: 01776-402895. Dhaka Medical College Hospital: +880 2-55165130. Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute: +880 2-55059051.
Download the full advisory now
datasurfr’s Special Advisory on Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh carries the full symptom and complication guide, affected-area map, recommendations for organisations and individuals, and a detailed directory of hospitals and health authorities. Download the full advisory now to brief your health and continuity teams.
Filed under: APACThreat Intelligence Advisories
