More than 100 people have died from suspected measles in Bangladesh since mid-March, with children comprising the majority of fatalities, according to health officials.

The outbreak has prompted emergency vaccination efforts as authorities work to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease. Health officials have confirmed the deaths occurred over approximately one month, representing a significant public health crisis in the South Asian nation.

Measles is a viral infection that can be particularly dangerous for young children, causing complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death. The disease is preventable through vaccination, which has made outbreaks increasingly rare in countries with robust immunization programs.

Bangladeshi health authorities have initiated emergency response measures, including mass vaccination campaigns to prevent further spread of the disease. The outbreak highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining adequate vaccination coverage in developing nations.

The World Health Organization considers measles one of the most contagious diseases, with unvaccinated populations at highest risk during outbreaks. Bangladesh has previously struggled with vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, particularly in rural and underserved areas where healthcare access remains limited.