Bangladesh Measles Outbreak Raises Concerns Over Long-Term Health Effects on Children

Bangladesh Measles Outbreak Raises Concerns Over Long-Term Health Effects on Children
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Doctors in Bangladesh have warned that a major measles outbreak could leave lasting health consequences for a generation of children, after the disease killed more than 1,000 children and infected hundreds of thousands.

Since the outbreak was officially declared in March, health authorities have recorded more than 186,000 suspected cases and 1,087 deaths, with most infections affecting children under two years old. Medical experts say the real number of cases may be significantly higher.

Doctors have raised concerns about serious complications, including subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal neurological disorder that can appear years after infection and cause seizures and brain damage. They also warned that measles can weaken the immune system for several years, increasing the risk of other infections.

Health officials attributed the outbreak partly to gaps in vaccination coverage. An emergency measles-rubella campaign vaccinated around 20 million children earlier this year, followed by a new drive targeting millions who may have been missed.

Experts said controlling measles requires vaccination coverage of at least 95% to prevent continued transmission.