As measles spreads, vitamin A emerges as a lifesaving shield

Bangladesh is facing a worrying resurgence of measles, with thousands of suspected cases reported within a single month. The outbreak, spreading across the country, has already claimed many lives, most of them young children.

The sharp rise has placed health authorities on high alert, particularly in crowded parts of Dhaka where the disease is moving rapidly through densely populated neighbourhoods. Children under five account for nearly four out of every five reported infections, with many victims either unvaccinated or only partly vaccinated.

Measles begins with fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and tiny white spots inside the mouth before a rash spreads across the body. While many recover, the illness can sometimes turn deadly, especially for malnourished children and infants.

Experts warn that falling vaccination coverage in recent years, combined with missed routine immunisations, has left thousands vulnerable. In response, Bangladesh has launched a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination drive targeting young children and intensified hospital readiness, emergency response teams and surveillance efforts.

Vitamin A campaign was held throughout the country on 15 March 2025.  During this outbreak response, Vitamin A supplementation is provided to all suspected and confirmed measles cases as an essential component of standard treatment and case management.

The World Health Organisation described the national risk as “high” and cautioned that continued spread could threaten Bangladesh’s earlier progress in controlling the disease. But the organisation does not recommend any restriction on travel and trade based on the information available on the current outbreak.