Bangladesh: Measles Infections Surge Nationwide — Vaccination Strengthened in Rohingya Refugee Camps

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is strengthening its medical assistance in Cox's Bazar, where Rohingya refugee camps are located, in response to a surge in measles infections across Bangladesh. MSF is treating infected children in the camps and surrounding host communities, and is also supporting local health authorities with vaccination efforts. MSF emphasizes that a high vaccination rate is crucial to prevent measles outbreaks, and therefore, continuous investment in routine immunization programs is essential, not just vaccinations during outbreaks.

Overcrowded Camps with High Risk of Infection Spread

Since January 2026, measles cases have surged in Bangladesh, affecting almost all 64 districts nationwide. Cox's Bazar, home to over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees and the world's largest refugee settlement, is one of the highest-risk areas. Overcrowded and unstable living conditions make it easier for infections to spread and cause severe illness among an already vulnerable population.

According to health authority data, over 330 suspected measles cases and over 40 confirmed cases have been reported in the camps, including 3 fatalities. In the surrounding host communities, approximately 160 suspected cases have also been identified.

Mieke Stienen, MSF's Medical Coordinator in Bangladesh, states:

"Numerous measles cases have been reported in this district since the beginning of the year, but they sharply increased from March, and the momentum further accelerated in April. MSF has intensified its activities both inside and outside the camps, providing medical assistance to those infected. Most of them are children under five, many suffering from severe pneumonia."

In April alone, MSF treated 284 measles patients in Cox's Bazar. This number is four times the total treated from January to March this year. Of these, 82 required inpatient treatment due to their severe condition.

"On April 19th, we opened a new isolation ward in Jamtoli Camp. This serves as a central hub for patients from all camps. However, it has already reached its capacity, so we are preparing to double the number of beds."

The high proportion of patients with severe conditions is also a concern. At Goyalmara Mother and Child Hospital, 40% of measles patients required inpatient treatment, with some needing intensive care. At Kutupalong Hospital, out of 71 patients admitted over a 20-day period, 15 had severe symptoms requiring inpatient care.

Measles can be prevented by vaccination

The extremely harsh living conditions in the camps increase the risk of complications and comorbidities for Rohingya children. Furthermore, the low vaccination rates within the camps and surrounding areas remain a major concern.

"Approximately three-quarters of those confirmed with measles infection in the camps had not been vaccinated. The proportion of unvaccinated children in the host communities is also very concerning. Vaccination efforts need to be strengthened," says Stienen.

To urgently curb the spread of infection, MSF is supporting the vaccination campaign initiated by health authorities in the Rohingya refugee camps on April 26th. Measles is one of the world's most contagious viral diseases, spread by airborne droplets, making a rapid response crucial. Measles particularly affects children, and in overcrowded environments with limited access to healthcare, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, malnutrition, and even death.

Stienen explains:

"This disease can be prevented by two doses of a safe, low-cost, and highly effective vaccine. However, to prevent outbreaks, at least 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated. As we can see from the current situation, vaccination rates are still too low in both the camps and surrounding areas. Continuous investment in routine immunization programs in parallel with mass vaccination campaigns in response to outbreaks is essential. One alone is not enough."

In Cox's Bazar, MSF is treating measles patients and conducting health promotion activities in multiple facilities within and around the Rohingya refugee camps, including Jamtoli and Hakimpara clinics, Hilltop Hospital, Kutupalong Hospital, and Goyalmara Mother and Child Hospital. Since January 1st, MSF has treated 350 suspected or confirmed measles patients, 103 of whom had complications.