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Published : 15 May 2026, 06:17 PM
Although measles, which has spread in different parts of Bangladesh, is “highly contagious”, 99 percent of patients recover completely if the infected receive prompt treatment, chest disease specialists say.
A group of specialists made the statement at a press conference on the measles outbreak in the country in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on Friday afternoon.
Chest disease specialist Dr Ziaul Huq said, "All the doctors in the country, including chest disease specialists like us, are concerned about the overall measles situation in the country. Still, we are not alarmed. You often get different information through the media and on social media. For example, the pox has also been seen alongside measles.
"Through research, we have confirmed that it was a co-infection with chickenpox. We request our countrymen, through you, to be vigilant about such misinformation."
The doctor, who practices at the capital's Evercare Hospital said: "We must remember that measles is a highly contagious disease, which spreads very quickly. However, 99 percent of patients recover completely."
The press conference was organised by the “Bangladesh Lung Foundation” and “Chest and Heart Association of Bangladesh”.
Paediatrician Prof Abid Hossain Mollah said, “Measles basically reduces the body’s immunity. Therefore, the affected child should be brought for treatment as soon as possible. It will only be possible to prevent child deaths if this is done promptly.”
Prof Ruhul Amin said, “Currently, 56 percent of the children in the country are breastfed. Since the rest of the children are not breastfed, their susceptibility to diseases is increasing. In addition, dependence on packaged food is also increasing the risk of children getting infected with various diseases.”
Ziaul said the mortality rate among children infected with measles in Bangladesh is “0.8 percent”.
He said, “Currently, there is an outbreak of measles in the country. In the past, it was possible to control the measles infection in the country to a large extent through successful vaccination programmes. But in the last two years, due to disruptions in vaccination activities, 54,419 children in the country have been diagnosed with measles and measles-like symptoms from March this year to May 14.
“Of these, 70 have died from measles and 369 have died with measles symptoms. One of the main causes of measles-related deaths is respiratory failure. For this reason, the country's chest disease experts have taken the initiative to raise public awareness and have advised the government on what to do.”
The experts said special importance should be given to four issues to prevent the spread of measles.
They are:
